More than 70 countries are now reporting cases of human infection with novel H1N1 flu. This number has been increasing over the past few weeks, but many of the cases reportedly had links to travel or were localized outbreaks without community spread. The WHO designation of a pandemic alert Phase 6 reflects the fact that there are now ongoing community level outbreaks in multiple parts of world.

WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus. Learn More >>

Even though much of the initial anxiety has eased, the CDC anticipates that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths associated with this virus in the days and weeks ahead.

More people have had this virus than previously known and the death rate is low when that is taken into account. Also, people over 50 seem to have more immunity to it. As of July 2,, 2009, the CDC confirmed that there have been 616 cases of swine flu in Hawaii—all have recovered or are recovering in their homes and none required hospitalization. Nationwide, there were 33,902 cases in 52 sates (including Puerto Rico) and 170 deaths. Since tourism continually brings people to Hawaii from all parts of the world, it’s fair to say that it’s always flu season in Hawaii.

Therefore, we all need to practice the very best personal hygiene habits to prevent the spread of the swine flu and other diseases. This is especially important for team members of Down to Earth, many of whom are in daily contact with the public. It is also important for everyone in our community at large, as we interact with one another every day.

Good hygiene habits are critical because illnesses like colds and flu are mainly spread from person to person in the respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This is called "droplet spread."

Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air and are deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Germs can also be spread when people touch respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, then touch their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. Some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.
To limit the spread of swine flu:

• Stay home if sick. If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, please stay home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. We have instructed our team members to do likewise. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Cover your cough. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Put your used tissue in the waste basket immediately. 
• Clean your hands often. Wash your hands often with soap and water—especially after you cough or sneeze—for 15 to 20 seconds. That’s about the same time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice!  Alcohol-based hand wipes and gel sanitizers also work.
• Keep away from sick people. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

To help ensure our health and the health of our families and friends, we owe it to ourselves to practice the very best personal hygiene. 
On behalf of all the team members at Down to Earth, please accept our thanks for your responsible actions during this period as we, too, re-double our efforts to help protect the health of our island communities. 

More information about the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) virus and how you can protect yourself can be found at the following web sites:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Watch “Tips for proper handwashing”
• N1H1 Flu (Swine Flu): General Information
• What to Do If You Get Flu-Like Symptoms
• Latest CDC Update

• Hawaii Department of Health
• Swine Flu FAQ
• Swine Flu Hot Line