Pandemic Planning
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Tennessee is among 11 states reporting widespread H1N1 influenza activity, which is highly unusual for this time of year. In fact, CDC says that 97 percent of the current flu cases are H1N1. Now, more than ever, people need to be aware of how to protect themselves against the H1N1 virus to ensure you do not become infected, and if you do, how to stop the spread of the disease to others.
This Web site is designed to provide commonsense information that you can use now to prepare you and your family for the H1N1 Flu. A majority of the information contained here comes from health experts, and DOE ORO has taken the steps to extract some of the most useful information that can be used to prepare you and your family. However, you shouldn’t expect that this site is the end all for information you need to keep yourself safe. You are encouraged to contact local health officials if you have questions that are not answered here. The medical professionals from local, state, and federal agencies are equipped to answer questions and respond to the outbreak as it worsens here in East Tennessee.
This site also contains recent news articles about the H1N1 situation in the United States and our local community. ORO will continue to monitor the situation as it is being reported, and will post the information for you to read.
As of now, work operations are continuing as normal. Neither the CDC, nor any local health authorities, is suggesting that private companies or federal agencies alter its work schedules in the current H1N1 climate, but it is something we must be prepared for. In the event that DOE work operations are affected by the H1N1 situation, DOE management will use this Web site and other means of communication to provide up to date information regarding work schedules and other vital work information to employees. In the meantime, use this site to get informed, and be prepared.
The CDC is actively investigating isolated human cases of H1N1 flu virus in several states (CA, TX, OH, KS, NY) and is working closely with Canada and Mexico and with the WHO. The CDC is continuously updating investigation information and you can find the most up to date and valuable information on the H1N1 Flu at this Web site.
What’s new with the H1N1 Flu?
The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu. Follow the link above to see more simple things you can do to limit your chances of being infected.
CDC Travelers' Health offers information to assist travelers and their health-care providers in deciding the vaccines, medications, and other measures necessary to prevent illness and injury during international travel.