iTwister

Author: Terry Fallon

As the nights get cooler, and the trees begin to change color, there is no doubt that fall is on the way. And with fall comes flu season. This year, in particular, many are worried about the H1N1 virus, commonly referred to as “swine flu.” Many are concerned about the reported shortage of H1N1 vaccine.

Because of the serious threat posed by this strain of flu, health authorities are on alert. Unfortunately, however, the US health department reports that 120 million doses of swine flu vaccine will be required to protect the population. Only one third of that number will be available in October when flu season begins!

What is the reason for this shortage? Dr. Robin Robinson, of the US Dept of HHS (Health & Human Services) was quoted in Reuters (8/18/09) as stating: “We’re trying to bring on more manufacturing…hopefully there are ways to bring that number up.”

The Dept of HHS is attempting to add new manufacturing companies because the logjam seems to lie with current capacity.

Since there is a shortage of H1N1 vaccine, the supply will not cover the entire population. Accordingly, the government is planing to ration the swine flu vaccine. As flu season begins, the only people that will be able to be inoculated are pregnant women, people who work in public health, and children that are under the age of four.

How serious is the problem? Even though the H1N1 vaccination will be the largest in human history, the White House Council for Science has estimated that there could be 30,000 to 90,000 deaths resulting from the swine flu strain during this 2009 flu season.

Are public health officials concerned? Naturally. They are worried that people that do not receive vaccinations will become ill.

The World Health Organization has declared a pandemic, because the H1N1 flu strain affects the entire globe, not just the United States.

Reportedly, dosages available in the United States should increase to about 80 million by early November (well into the flu season), according to health officials. Even so, one third of the population will remain without vaccine.

There is no question that there is a shortage of H1N1 vaccine.

As we go into this flu season, avoid public places like schools and large public buildings if you possibly can. Do your best to stay away from people who are coughing or sneezing. Practice ritual hand washing with soap and hot water. When a sink is not available, use hand sanitizers. And if you become ill, stay home! Isolate yourself or your sick family members so that they will not infect others!

About the Author:

Read the informative free book “Surviving Pandemic Flu,” that you may download immediately at: http://www.aboutthefamily.com/familyhealth/swine-flu-pandemic.

This report is simple to read and discusses how to protect your family due to the shortage of H1N1 vaccinethat will occur during the fall and winter of 2009.

Terry Fallon writes articles and features that pertain to family health, happiness, and well being.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year in the U.S., on average, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for flu complications, and about 36,000 people die. With the spread of H1N1 (swine flu) virus, it is predicted those numbers will increase.

The best way to battle the flu is with a good defense. For small businesses, that means protecting yourself and your staff from germs with simple and straightforward measures and being prepared when staff can’t make it in, due to illness. Not only will you have a healthier, happier workforce, you can keep your business as productive as possible.

Don’t forget the basics. The first step is to keep your hands clean: Use soap and water or a hand sanitizer before meals, after shaking hands with someone and especially after using public restrooms.

Consider putting anti-bacterial soap or sanitizer in the office kitchen and bathrooms, and wiping down computer keyboards, phones, door knobs, light switches and shared electronics such as printers with rubbing alcohol to reduce germ build-up.

A staff e-mail or notice in the office reminding employees of these basics may be a good idea. The CDC provides information and materials for the workplace at www.cdc.gov/flu/workplace/.

Get a flu shot. The CDC recommends an annual flu shot as your most important protection from the disease. In most cases, the vaccine can prevent you from getting the flu and at least minimize your symptoms should you contract it.

Consider making flu shots available to your employees. If your business or building doesn’t offer them, make it a yearly office outing for everyone to get flu shots at the same time.

Stay at home, but stay productive. The best way to not get the flu — and to not spread it — is to stay at home at the first sign of illness. Encourage your employees to do the same when they or their family members are feeling under the weather.

Now that staffs are more mobile than ever before, for many, working from the couch is not only possible, but productive as well (depending on how you feel, of course).

Consider remote access software, like LogMeIn (www.LogMeIn.com). It allows you and your employees to access office computers and all of the applications, files and folders on them from any Internet-connected computer. There’s also a version for the iPhone.

For more information about flu prevention and vaccination, check out the CDC Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/FLU/.

Article curtsy of NewsUSA