Fight the flu

The Institute for Health Education Library is an affiliate member of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Middle Atlantic Region.  Therefore, I sometimes receive important information about health-related information.  Here are some excepts from one such email that I received.  It includes information on how during this flu epidemic you can use knowledge to protect your health.

New York and Boston have declared Public Health Emergencies.  Dr. Anthony Facui, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, has indicated that we are in what is classically described as a flu epidemic.  In response to this, as librarians and information specialists, we can share messages through our social media communication tools on reliable and trustworthy health information.

Below are suggested messages developed by the Health and Human Services New Media Team.  Consider using them on your accounts this week! 

Siobhan Champ-Blackwell, MSLIS (Contractor), Health Sciences Librarian, Aquilent, Inc., supporting the mission of the National Library of Medicine, Specialized Information Services Division   

Disaster Information Management Research Center...

* It takes 2 weeks after vaccination for you to be protected. Use our finder to find a #flu vaccine center near you. http://bit.ly/Soutac

  * Teachers-help keep your classrooms free of germs. Teach healthy habits at school to prevent flu in your classroom. http://go.usa.gov/gmfJ 

  * There are three different types of #flu shot and a nasal spray. Which is the right one for you? http://go.usa.gov/YpKQ 

 * #Flu activity is high across most states in the US now. Learn more about preventing #flu. Visit www.flu.gov 

   * Vaccination is the best protection against #flu but vaccine may be limited in some areas. Use http://flushot.healthmap.orgto locate vaccine.

* Got the #flu? Don't share it. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever goes away. Visit www.Flu.gov 

* It's #flu season. www.Flu.gov <http://www.Flu.gov> provides advice on caring for yourself and loved ones who are sick.

  * If you still need #flu vaccine, now's the time to get vaccinated.  #Flu is widespread in many states.

  * #FluView, a weekly report of #flu activity in the U.S., is available on the @CDCgov website at http://1.usa.gov/e30wKG

  * Find out what's happening near you on the @CDCgov #flu map. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/usmap.htm...

  * If you haven't already been vaccinated for the flu, now's the time.  Vaccine may be limited in some areas.  You may need to contact more than one provider (pharmacy, health department, or doctor) to find available vaccine. Visit www. http://flushot.healthmap.org for more information. 

  * Learn more about how to care for loved ones with the flu, including people at high risk (children, seniors, and people with chronic conditions). Start by getting vaccinated, practicing healthy habits like covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and washing hands regularly.  Visit www.flu.gov for more information. 

*Nicholas Garlow*, Digital Communications Division, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services