A Message from the Board of Health

Sturbridge Board of Health Chairman Linda Cocalis, would like all residents to be aware of an information bulletin issued by the Department of Public Health.

SWINE FLU Message from Commissioner of Public Health John Auerbach

While this is a serious matter and one that requires all Massachusetts residents to be aware and prepared, there is no reason to be overly alarmed and the confirmed US cases have involved relatively mild illness and all those affected have fully recovered.

There are steps that everyone can take to help prevent getting or spreading any type of influenza:

1. Become aware of the facts: We encourage everyone to visit the CDC's new web site at www.cdc.gov/swineflu. We also have some very good information on how to care for someone at home who has the flu~on our DPH web site. And DPH has its own regularly updated blog at www.mass.gov/blog/publichealth.

2. Practice good health hygiene: Disease transmission can be significantly reduced by taking the following actions:

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.~ Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Practice good "cough etiquette" by coughing or sneezing into a tissue, or into your elbow instead of into your hands.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.

We will do our best to keep you and the residents of Massachusetts updated as the situation evolves. Thanks in advance for your patience and for your help in spreading the message about the importance of prevention. Please check our web site, www.mass.gov/dph for updates.