H1N1:  Get Ready!  It's Coming!

Dear Medina County Residents,

As you are all aware the H1N1 flu is crossing this country quickly and millions of Americans are expected to get hit with this flu strain.  As a parent and as a public servant, that prediction got me to do some research to see what we need to do to protect our families and everyone we come in contact with each day.  Here is what I found out:

How serious is it?  For most people it isn't that serious, but the CDC reports:

" The information analyzed by CDC supports the conclusion that 2009 H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than older people.   However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this 2009 H1N1."

What can you do to protect yourself and others?    
1.    Wash your hands many times a day!   Use soap and water and sing, "Happy Birthday" all the way through before you stop.

2.  Get both flu shots!! Right now  you can get the regular flu shot and in October or November you can get the H1N1 shot. 

3.  Clean, clean and clean some more!  Use disinfectants, hand-wipes and lots of soap on everything at home, in the office and even on the grocery cart!

For more important information from the CDC, Click here.

Have a healthy week!

Sincerely,
Michael E. Kovack
Medina County Auditor