Swine Flu: NYC Shuts School Doors
The New York City school closure count reached 16 today, reports ABC news. As a result of the swine flu (or H1N1 virus) epidemic, and 103 students exhibiting influenza-like symptoms during the last six days of school, today the city’s health commissioner and schools chancellor made the decision to shut down three more schools.
The closures also follow yesterday’s death of 55-year-old Mitchell Weiner, an assistant principal at Susan B. Anthony Intermediate School in Queens. Weiner died Sunday night after spending five days on a ventilator battling the H1N1 virus.
Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) say the virus has infected at least 8,829 people in 40 countries, and a total of 76 deaths have been reported, six of which are from the U.S.
As news spreads about the virus, many are asking, “How can I protect myself?”
The following steps are recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC):
- 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 hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
[photo: AP]
Tags: Center for Disease Control, cough, H1N1 virus, Mitchell Weiner, New York City, swine flu
