Preventing the spread of H1N1 Swine Flu
by Bayshore Courier News
Posted:06/25/09

Monmouth County - With more than 35 confirmed cases of the H1N1 (Swine flu) reported in Monmouth County, the county Health Department has released a video to remind people that washing hands, covering a cough and sneeze and staying home when sick are the best ways to prevent the spread of the illness.

 "County residents can help reduce the spread of the H1N1 flu by staying informed and using some good hygiene habits," said Karen DeMarco, Monmouth County's assistant public health coordinator. "You need to be sure that you wash your hands thoroughly to protect yourself from germs and cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available and you are using a hand sanitizer, be sure it is at least 60 percent alcohol."

DeMarco and Charlotte Scalafani, a public health nurse, demonstrate proper hand washing, the use of hand sanitizers and more in an informational video posted on the county Web site at (visitmonmouth.com.)

 "Regardless of the type of illness, the recommendations to reduce the spread of illness remain the same," DeMarco said. "Those who are ill should not attend school, camp or work or go into the community for at least seven days, even if the flu symptoms resolve sooner. You should also avoid close contact with people who are sick."     

The Monmouth County Health Department continues to closely monitor the H1N1 influenza situation by working with hospitals and other health care providers as they continue their flu surveillance. Flu symptoms generally include cough, sore throat, fever, headache, muscle pain, chills and fatigue.

Detailed information about the H1N1 flu is available from (visitmonmouth.com), that will provide you with links to the Health Department and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention or you can call the county Health Department at 732-431-7456 or the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services at 866-321-3751.


Back