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Community Mitigation
Community mitigation refers to the possible actions that communities and Federal, State, and local governments will take to slow the spread of the H1N1 flu by limiting close contact between people. Some of the steps that may be taken to limit contact and the spread of the flu include:
- dismissing students from schools and closing day-care centers.
- arranging alternate work options, such as working from home and staggered work schedules.
- canceling public gatherings.
- suggesting that people avoid crowded places such as concerts, sporting events, open markets, and shopping malls, and public transportation.
You should protect yourself by
- washing hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel; Use soap and water and wash long enough to sing Happy Birthday twice. If you don’t saop and water, use alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- stay away from people who are sick, if possible; and
- wear a face mask. This may help for short periods of time, especially if you have illnesses such as asthma.
What you should do if schools are dismissed or daycare centers are closed
If you have children, make plans for their care if officials close schools or daycare centers. Schools may be closed for as long as 14 days.
- Do not plan to bring children to your workplace.
- Plan learning activities and recreational activities that your children can do at home.
- Restrict your children’s social contacts and being around with other children.
If limiting all outside contact is not be possible, consider developing a support system with co-workers, friends, other family members, or neighbors to continue childcare and social events. For example, two to three families may work together to supervise and provide care for a small group of infants and young children while their parents are at work. Studies suggest that childcare group size of less than six children may be associated with fewer respiratory infections.
What you should do if you become sick
Be prepared to stay home if you develop flu symptoms for seven days after the start of illness or at least 24 hours after you no longer have symptoms, whichever is longer. Call your doctor by telephone, or other remote means, before going to the clinic, doctor’s office, or hospital.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
If you must leave home and go into a crowd, wear a face mask to reduce spreading the virus. If a face mask is unavailable, use tissues to cover any coughing.
Other steps you can take if you feel sick are to
- stay home as soon as you feel sick;
- ask your doctor about antiviral medicines;
- not attend public events.
Family members and caregivers should
- isolate sick people in hospitals, homes, or other facilities;
- be prepared for schools closings and workplace closings as needed;
- be aware if you start to feel sick yourself.
