fyi

________________________________

From: DAS HRD HR Policy [mailto:DAS.HRPolicy@das.state.oh.us]
Sent: Wednesday, September 02, 2009 4:33 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients
Subject: H1N1 All Employee Communications

A Message from Ohio Department of Health Director Alvin D. Jackson, M.D.

As director of the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and in my unofficial
role as Ohio's Doctor, it is incumbent upon me to help others prepare
for and protect themselves from pandemic H1N1 influenza.

The situation is changing rapidly, and no one can predict how flu season
will unfold in Ohio. In the absence of a vaccine against pandemic H1N1,
frequent hand washing and practicing good health hygiene are the best
ways to stay healthy.

ODH also recommends you get a seasonal flu shot. While this does not
protect you from pandemic H1N1, it will keep you healthy and fight off
seasonal flu. Our other recommendations are:

*	Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
and then throw the tissue away.
*	If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or
upper sleeve.
*	Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you
cough or sneeze or use the restroom and before eating. If you are not
near soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
*	Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth as germs often spread
this way.
*	Stay away from people who are sick.
*	If you get sick, stay home from work or school.

Stay Informed

It's also important for state employees to prepare and stay informed.
ODH has recently expanded its H1N1 Web material  to include updated
influenza pandemic planning information.  This section can be accessed
through the H1N1 feature on the main ODH Web site located at
http://www.odh.ohio.gov/.

The H1N1 section of the Web site acts as a clearinghouse for
information. It contains ODH information such as guidance, fact sheets
and planning documents as well as links to valuable information from
federal entities such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Current news and any available federal guidance is available for
families, schools, businesses, health care providers and local
government. More information will be added to this section of the site
in the coming months as the situation progresses.