We have so many sources of information available to us these days that it is hard to sort out what information is credible and which we should disregard.  These three web sites are fantastic tools for flu prevention, coping with the flu after you come down with it, and keeping informed about the scope of this year’s Swine Flue outbreak:

Web Md        www.webmd.com

Centers for Disease Control   www.cdc.gov

World Health Organization    www.who.int/en/

These websites are constantly updated with new information that you can rely on.

Your state and local health departments also have vital information on their websites about areas where the flu outbreak is particularly concentrated, and schools or other public facilities may be temporarily closed.  For example, a school closure occurred at a prep school in New York after eight students were found to have swine flu.  Public health authorities may also provide advice on when to avoid crowds, where flu can be spread easily, when to consider postponing travel, or other social distancing strategies.

Keep informed by reading the newspaper and watching TV but keep in mind that these day the news media has a tendency to exaggerate terrible news and ignore excellent news.  They may report that a suspected case of swine flu (N1H1) has been reported in your area but then never follow up that the case was negative.

Plotting ahead can help you cope with this situation as well. Make sure you have stocked up on food, medicine, alcohol based hand rubs, and other supplies you may need should you or your family come down with the flu. If you are infected, you need to stay home and take care of yourself, not have to run out to the store where you could infect other people.

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