Situation Update
During
the week of
November 15-21,
2009, certain
key flu
indicators
declined while
others rose as
reported in
FluView. The
number of states
reporting
widespread flu
activity
decreased from
43 to 32 and
nationally
visits to
doctors for
influenza-like
illness
declined.
Flu-related
hospitalizations
and deaths have
declined
slightly over
last week, but
are still very
high nation-wide
compared to what
is expected for
this time of
year. The
proportion of
deaths
attributed to
pneumonia and
influenza (P&I)
was above the
epidemic
threshold for
the eighth
consecutive
week.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
- Get vaccinated. Vaccination is the best protection we have against flu. Seasonal flu vaccine is available now and initial doses of 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine also are available, with additional doses available later this year.
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
- Stay informed. This website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
- Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.
