November 21, 2009 |
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2009 H1N1 Flu and the HolidaysState public health director offers holiday health tips to avoid the fluSPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Millions of people travel every year during the holiday season to spend time with friends and family. With the 2009 H1N1 flu still circulating widely in Illinois and most of the country, Dr. Damon T. Arnold, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, is urging people to remember four things when traveling during the holiday season:
“As we enter the holiday season, we know the H1N1 flu is a concern for many people, especially those traveling. Taking some basic preventive measures, including staying home if your sick, washing your hands often, covering your cough and sneeze, and getting vaccinated when possible, can greatly reduce your chances of becoming ill,” Dr. Arnold said. “Don’t let the flu ruin your holidays.” The flu is spread mainly through person-to-person contact when an infected person does not properly cover a cough or sneeze. Holiday travel and gatherings increase the opportunity for person-to-persona contact, making it an ideal way for illness to spread. For more information about 2009 H1N1 flu and information on vaccine sites in your area, log onto www.ready.illinois.gov. Or, for non-medical questions about the H1N1 virus, call the Illinois Flu Hotline at (866) 848-2094 or (866) 241-2138 (Spanish). |
Illinois Department
of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments |