We are closely monitoring the novel H1N1 (swine) flu outbreak, as we take the health and safety of our patients, community, and employees very seriously.

If you would like more information about the novel H1N1 flu, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/. The CDC’s site includes key facts, number and location of confirmed cases and symptoms. The CDC also lists recommended everyday actions to help people stay healthy:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.