About Us
Swine Flu Update for Clients and Constituents
04/29/2009
As you may know, regarding swine flu in the news, yesterday the World Health Organization raised its pandemic-alert level to 5 on a scale of 6.
This means that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased, but is not yet inevitable. As of yesterday, there were 40 cases in the United States. As of today there has been 1 confirmed case of swine flu in Maricopa County, Arizona.
We, at Southwest Center, are taking precautionary steps. Specifically, at the Center, we have posted signs in common areas (covering coughs) as well as web links. As a resource, we will be providing hand sanitizers and have provided masks for use by our providers if and as needed. We will keep you posted as more is known.
The following approach is provided by federal, state and local health authorities so that all can be informed and prepared.
- First, don't panic - an onset of illness doesn't mean automatically that it's swine flu. Flu is characterized by a high fever over 100 degrees, chills, lethargy and loss of appetite, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Wash hands frequently. (As a resource, we have hand sanitizer available at Southwest Center.)
- Cover your mouth if you sneeze or cough.
- If you're sick, stay home from work and your appointments.
If you have additional questions or concerns, you may call 602-263-8856 or 800-352-3792 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with bi-lingual staff about general questions concerning swine flu, learn how it is affecting our local community, as well as access websites and telephone numbers for more information.
Additional web resources include:
www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm