Kaiser Permanente Statement on Swine Flu Outbreak

Kaiser Permanente physicians and infectious disease experts have been working closely with the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local public health agencies to monitor developments and share information on the swine influenza outbreak in the United States and Mexico. We are following CDC and local public health guidelines regarding the swine flu.

We believe that while there is reason to be concerned, there is not yet reason to be alarmed about this outbreak. While it is still evolving, cases in the United States appear to be relatively mild in nature.

Nonetheless, the CDC recommends the following precautionary measures to avoid contracting or spreading the virus:

• Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it
• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Please see the attached FAQ which is also posted on the KP.org website for all members. https://www.kaiserpermanente.org/redirects/swineflu/all_swineflu_faq1.htm

If members get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

CDC Website; http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/index.htm