(Washington, DC) - Congresswoman Corrine Brown and her colleagues in the House of Representatives were briefed today by Homeland Security Secretary, Ms. Janet Napolitano and members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the Influenza A virus subtype  H1N1, which is rapidly spreading in the United States and to nations worldwide.  The Secretary explained the Obama Administration’s plans in making preparations to deal with the public health emergency, and took individual questions from the Members.   

The Secretary also briefed the Members on efforts being made to combat the spread of the disease.  As Administration officials have indicated, this current situation is constantly changing and evolving, and government officials are prepared to change the response as necessary. 

As the World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Margaret Chan told a news conference in Geneva today, "Influenza pandemics must be taken seriously, precisely because of their capacity to spread rapidly to every country in the world."  The WHO, in fact, raised the alert level to Phase 5, its second highest warning that a pandemic, or global outbreak of a serious new illness, is imminent.  Now that the level has been raised to Phase 5, governments and businesses are strongly being encouraged to take action, and pharmaceutical companies are being encouraged to quickly increase antiviral drug production and capacity.

Even though the virus is moving quickly, according to the CDC there are numerous things you can do to protect yourself and your family against infection.  These consist of the following:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it;
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze, alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way;
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Additionally, Congresswoman Brown encourages all Floridians and citizens throughout the United States who have questions about H1N1 to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu (which will be updated regularly), or call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.

Below are a few key questions and answers regarding the flu provided by the CDC: 

How does H1N1 flu spread?
Spread of this influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

Are there medicines to treat this flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with the influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

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