Preparing for flu season

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Preparing for flu season - Printable Version - September 11, 2009 - 4 Comments

Simple, easy-to-read information and advice from the State is here.

If you do nothing else, wash your hands frequently. Good hand washing involves soap and warm water, and you should spend about 15 seconds lathering up your hands - about as long as it takes to hum the "Happy Birthday" song either out loud or mentally. Rinse, dry off with paper towels, and use the towel turn off the faucet and to open the door of the rest room.

Update 9/22/09: More information from the state here.

Comments

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Posted by: David Rapp - September 21, 2009 09:04 PM

Ms. Fritz,

I have been reading about the Swine Flu in the newspaper and was hoping for some more information. Could you please answer some of my questions regarding the H1N1 Swine Flu? What degree has the Swine Flu affected Portland? Is there a particular age group that is being hit more so than others? Are the predictions regarding high risk people accurate? Do you think that there is enough education being given to people? What ways are you getting the information out to all of the people of Portland? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

Posted by: Amanda Fritz - September 22, 2009 08:59 AM

Thank you for your questions. I realized as I looked for answers in the first link above that the Director's Message had changed and was no longer about the flu. I corrected that link, and also added one to the main Oregon State flu site. You will find much more information on these two web pages and the links from them.

In answer to your questions (see the web sites for more details:

* Swine Flu has not hit Portland hard as yet, although there was an outbreak at a school in Tigard. What we need to do is avoid infection and spread to the extent practicable.

* As with most flu strains, young and old people are more at risk, as well as those with other health compromises. It seems reasonable that these predictions are accurate, to the best knowledge of experts locally and in the Centers for Disease Control.

* I am pleased with the amount of education being given, and yet we can still do more.

* The City of Portland is working on comprehensive strategies to continue to provide services to citizens in the event of widespread illness this season. I am working with my bureaus on preparedness plans, and using this blog and Council hearings (which are broadcast on Channel 30) to educate people.

* Please help in this effort by encouraging your friends to visit this site and follow the links to the Oregon State pages. As with so many services, government employees cannot accomplish the necessary tasks alone. We need engaged citizens to participate on Portland's team.

Posted by: David Rapp - September 28, 2009 06:31 PM

Mrs. Fritz,

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer all of questions. I really appreciate it. I will be able to help my friends stay healthy now that I know how to prevent the Swine Flu. Thanks again.

Posted by: Amanda Fritz - September 28, 2009 11:56 PM

You're welcome. In a further update, I learned last week from Multnomah County's Public Health expert Lillian Shirley that unusually, it is thought the H1N1 flu will NOT affect older folks as much. Anyone born in 1957 or before was likely exposed to a similar virus earlier in life, with some lasting immunity. So while vaccination will target school and college ages first, as most likely to congregate and spread the disease, it's recommended that everyone up to age 52 consider getting vaccinated. I was born in 1958...