EMS provides free resources for protection against swine flu

Sep 26 2009

Emergency Management & Safety Solutions (EMS), the crisis planner for many Fortune 100 companies, international government agencies and large non-profit organizations, is providing free resources to help people prepare for, prevent transmission of and take care of the ill to survive this wave of this year’s H1N1 flu pandemic. Today, over 180 countries have experienced the H1N1 virus outbreak and at least 3,486 people have died – including 1,000 Americans.

With the opening of the new school year, spread of the swine flu is on the increase, primarily from person to person and through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Illness with the H1N1 virus ranges from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths have occurred from infection with the virus.

Information analyzed by CDC supports the conclusion that the H1N1 flu has caused a greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than older people. Pregnancy and other previously recognized high-risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with the increased risk of complications from swine flu. These underlying conditions include asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neuro-cognitive and neuromuscular disorders and pregnancy.

“The CDC advises individuals on three simple measures to avoid getting the flu,” says Regina Phelps, President of EMS. “Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for 20 seconds or longer. Block your coughs or sneezes by coughing into your arm or a tissue. Avoid touching your face, and most importantly, if you are ill or think you might be, stay home.” More severe symptoms include shortness of breath, fever for more than three days, coughing and bloody sputum and drowsiness, disorientation or confusion.

People on the priority list for the H1N1 vaccine should get it as soon as it is available this fall. Also, cautiously distance yourself and loved ones from people at work, school and those you interact with socially. People are also advised to minimize exposure to crowds by working from home, avoiding large events and crowds when possible, and perhaps even consider having necessary services performed in your home such as having groceries delivered.

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