As Chairman of the Illinois Senate Public Health Committee, I would like to provide you with some information that your family should be aware of to help identify and combat the H1N1 Influenza during the upcoming flu season. 

While it is not possible to accurately predict what may occur during the upcoming flu season, many scientists believe a second, more aggressive wave of H1N1 flu will strike the U.S. this fall, possibly before an H1N1 flu vaccine is available. The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology recently said a plausible scenario is that an H1N1 flu epidemic this fall and winter could send 1.8 million Americans to the hospital.

 The most important way to protect yourself and your family from seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu virus is to follow some simple, common sense steps.  The single best way to protect against the seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, starting in September when yearly flu vaccinations usually become available. In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu should get vaccinated.

Besides the vaccinations, everyone should also practice good hygiene. Remember the 3 Cs:

• Clean – wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs;
• Cover – your cough and sneeze with a tissue or sleeve, not your hand; and
• Contain – contain your germs, stay home if you are sick.

These are basic activities you can do now to help be prepared, should H1N1 influenza affect your household.

For more information please contact the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Flu Hotline at 866-848-2094 or visit their website at www.ready.illinois.gov, or visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Influenza website at www.flu.gov.