Until the first several million doses of swine flu vaccine are available in at least a month, President Obama is urging Americans to take precautions that might help slow the spread of H1N1.
Wash your hands frequently. Sneeze and cough into your shirtsleeves. Stay home if you or your kids get infected by H1N1.
“Every American has a role to play in responding to this virus. We need state and local governments on the front lines to make antiviral medications and vaccines available, and be ready to take whatever steps are necessary to support the health care system,” Obama said today in the Rose Garden after being briefed on the federal effort to try to contain swine flu.
“We need hospitals and health care providers to continue preparing for an increased patient load, and to take steps to protect health care workers. We need families and businesses to ensure that they have plans in place if a family member, a child, or a co-worker contracts the flu and needs to stay home,” Obama added.
Obama is getting some help spreading the word from Sesame Street’s lovable Muppet Elmo:
- Ken Bazinet
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2009
2009-H1N1 National Preparedness and Response Overview
The health and safety of the American people is the first priority of President Barack Obama. Since the novel 2009-H1N1 flu virus emerged in the United States during the third week of April, the President has received regular briefings and asked his Cabinet to spare no effort in addressing this national security challenge. The Secretary of Health and Human Services is leading the way on public health preparedness and response efforts, the Principal Federal Official for domestic incidents, the Secretary of Homeland Security, is coordinating the supporting activities of Federal departments and agencies and facilitating response actions with State, local and territorial governments and tribal and private sector partners, while other Cabinet officials are leading complementary initiatives in their area of responsibility. It is a well-coordinated, all hands on deck approach. All Federal efforts are aimed at reducing the impact of 2009-H1N1 on the health and well-being of Americans and on the economy and functioning of society. Key elements of our preparedness and response efforts include:
Preparing for a fall wave of H1N1 flu with great team work across the Nation
Implementing a National Framework for 2009-H1N1 preparedness and response, including the four pillars of surveillance, mitigation, vaccine, and communications Partnering with Congress, governors, mayors, territorial and tribal officials, state and local health departments and emergency managers, the medical community, private-sector entities, and community-based groups for an effective response Issuing medical, science-derived public guidance for K-12 schools, institutions of higher education, businesses and employers, and families across the country available 24/7 on www.flu.gov
Making steady progress on developing a safe, effective, and voluntary H1N1 flu vaccine
Preparing for a voluntary, but strongly recommended, H1N1 flu shot program to be available to all Americans that wish to participate over a period of time
Encouraging Americans to act on a shared responsibility to reduce the impact of H1N1 flu
Calling on individuals and families to plan for the fall flu season and to take steps to prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu
To learn more about this virus, please go to www.flu.gov or talk to your doctor.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dc/2009/09/obama-urges-common-sense-in-fi.html#ixzz0Ptkz5LSO
hat-tip Sally
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