CDC is putting together information and public service announcements on their web site:
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Swine Influenza and You April 29, 2009, 10:55 PM ET
Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home Apr 25, 2009
Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) Information for Child Care Providers April 29, 2009 9:45 PM ET
Swine Flu: Information for Concerned Parents and Caregivers April 29, 2009, 7:15 PM ET
Swine flu Public Service Announcements
Right now, state health departments are concentrating on testing suspicious cases and getting a handle on the rate of spread. This is flu, and it will spread. That's what flu does. So, today, there will be more cases reported (from more states). The number matters less now, and there'll be a shift to concentrating on locations, age ranges, and the other data the local folks need to get the picture of what's happening.
Every message will include reminders about hand washing, covering your cough and staying home when ill.
As we get into the weekend, schools will need to get a handle on what to do if they close, and when they will open. Parents will need to adjust to that.
WHO will be monitoring the country outbreaks, looking for evidence of widespread illness outside of North America, at which point the move will be made to phase 6.
Get used to the word pandemic. It's not a dirty word, or alarmist, or hype. It's a description of a novel virus that can spread human to human and causes disease. Right now, the disease seems relatively mild outside of Mexico, but all of the above effort is not based on where we are now, it's anticipating where we might be in two weeks or four. Or longer. people aren't used to thinking longer, but for now, just accept that things can possibly get worse before getting better, even though things can very well stay mild. Uncertainly is driving prudent precaution. Rather than rail against "hype", take some prudent steps to prepare yourself and your family, and that includes reviewing the above, covering your cough, and planning for school closures.
Keep in close touch with your local authorities,and your state public health officials. And check the CDC site when you have questions. And get your information directly from the source.
Sebelius, Napolitano, Besser to Host Webcast on 2009 H1N1 Flu, Answers Questions from the American People
Questions for the officials can be submitted by emailing hhsstudio@hhs.gov. Additional information regarding the Webcast is included below.
WHAT: Webcast regarding 2009 H1N1 flu virus
WHEN: Thursday, April 30 1:00 p.m. EDT
WHERE: Watch the Webcast live at http://www.hhs.gov or http://www.cdc.gov . Submit questions for the Webcast by emailing hhsstudio@hhs.gov. Registration for the Webcast is not required.