Fort Bend Lifestyles and Homes Magazine Dec 2009: H1N1 Flu Shots, and Hygiene Precautions

Sugar Land’s public health authority, Dr. Joe Anzaldua, recently inoculated Mayor James Thompson against the seasonal flu, a measure intended as a public health alert to encourage citizens to follow the mayor ’s example.

The public gesture emphasized the possibility of a pandemic threat facing Sugar Land, as evidenced by major outbreaks across the state.

“County health officials recommend obtaining the 2009 seasonal flu shot, as well as the H1N1 flu shot when available, ” said Thompson. “Both shots are recommended to avoid becoming ill with more than one strain of influenza and certainly not at the same time. ”

City preparedness efforts include the development of a Disease Control and Response Plan to address a variety of public health threats, including pandemic influenza and coordination and partnering with agencies and healthcare providers.

Sugar Land has initiated several procedures to minimize disruption of city services. The major preventive measure is vaccination of city

the priorities prescribed by the Centers for Disease Control.

“Everyone in the city is strongly encouraged to obtain flu shots this year, both the seasonal type and the H1N1 vaccination, ” said Anzaldua. “Taking advantage of both vaccinations combined with simple precautionary hygiene may well prevent a rapid and widespread outbreak in our community. ”

Anzaldua recommends the following precautions:

1. Cover noses and mouths with forearms when coughing or sneezing.

2. Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

3. Avoid touching eyes, noses or mouths to prevent the spread of germs.

4. Avoid close contact with sick people.

5. And most importantly—if sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours once the fever is gone, except to get medical care or for other necessities. The fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.

employees, beginning with those who have direct contact with the public.

The city will also work to secure a supply of the H1N1 flu shots as they become available and provide them to city employees based on