-- Get the flu shot;
-- Wash your hands or sanitize often;
-- Sneeze or cough into a tissue or your sleeve;
-- Stay home when sick -- don't bring the flu bug to work or school.
"Massachusetts is approaching a difficult flu season, and school-aged
individuals have been primarily affected with 75 percent of H1N1 flu cases
reported in people age 25 and younger," said Christine Connolly Sharkey,
Arlington Director of Health and Human Services and NERAC Pandemic Flu
Subcommittee Chair. "Our goal is to reach as many residents in communities
across Northeastern Massachusetts with this public information campaign's
life-saving message."
Every year about 5,000 Massachusetts residents are hospitalized due to the
seasonal flu. With 1,400 cases of the H1N1 flu already reported in the
state this year, the risk of contracting one or both flu strains is even
higher -- especially among school children. Reducing the risk of spreading
the flu is key to stopping a wide range outbreak.
"H1N1 flu is caused by a new virus which was first recognized in April 2009
and spread quickly to many parts of the world," said Connolly Sharkey.
"The steps to prevent H1N1 flu are the same steps that we take to prevent
the seasonal flu."
The campaign, which launched earlier this month, includes an educational
kit with a DVD of the campaign's TV PSA, a poster, and a PowerPoint
presentation. The presentation is available upon request to schools.
Students as well as their parents and teachers will see the campaign
message through the TV PSA that is airing across the region, and on a
transit poster that is on commuter rail lines, buses, and on platforms at
several stations.
About The Northeast Homeland Security Regional Advisory Council (NERAC)
NERAC plans and carries out regional homeland security and emergency
preparedness initiatives on behalf of 85 communities in northeastern
Massachusetts. The council is comprised of 16 members representing 11
emergency management disciplines -- law enforcement, fire services,
emergency management, emergency medical services, public health, hospitals,
public safety communications, government administration, public works,
regional public transit and corrections. For further information, visit
www.nerac.us or call
781-316-3170.
This document was prepared under a grant from FEMA's National Preparedness
Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Points of view or
opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not
necessarily represent the official position or policies of FEMA's National
Preparedness Directorate or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Contact Information: Contact: Amy Riemer Media Relations Specialist 978-475-4441