Public health officials are preparing for the resurgence of H1N1 (Swine Flu) this fall. At a July public stakeholders meeting, Maricopa County Public Heath Director, Dr. Bob England, warned "the thing that people need to know is that it will come back." England explained that although there are many variables at play, which makes specific predictions impossible, a recurrence of H1N1 is likely to hit the community hard. "In the past one in four people have become sick in that second wave," England said.

While there is no vaccine yet available for the prevention of H1N1, health officials are urging citizens to take precautions:

• Stay home if you are ill and seek medical advice when needed
• Wash hands thoroughly and frequently
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Get a seasonal flu vaccine

The Maricopa Community Colleges are preparing for the fall. It will be important for faculty to share concerns and prevention measures with students and urge them to report illnesses in an effort to prevent the spread of H1N1.

ADDITIONAL H1N1 INFORMATION:
Arizona Department of Health Services - http://www.azdhs.gov/flu/h1n1
Maricopa County Health Department – http://www.wearepublichealth.org/
The Centers for Disease Control - http://www.cdc.gov/
U.S. Government Flu Information – http://http://www.flu.gov/

http://www.riosalado.edu/mems/