Firefighter Health & Safety

Staying Healthy During a Flu Pandemic

The outbreak of H1N1 (swine flu) throughout the world is a reminder that everyone must do their part to help in preventing the spread of influenza. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have released information and resources to help citizens and health care providers get educated and stay healthy to prevent the further spread of H1N1 or any pandemic flu. The site describes the illness and its origin, signs and symptoms, and advice for avoiding H1N1. As always, individuals with heart disease and other chronic illnesses should take extra precaution to protect themselves from the flu virus.

To assist firefighters and emergency medical personnel, the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) compiled a resource center of important links regarding H1N1, including the EMS and 9-1-1 Swine-Origin Influenza A Infection Guidance, the Interim Guidance for Cleaning EMS Transport Vehicles During an Influenza Pandemic, the CDC’s H1N1 Influenza site, and more. Find these and other resources at www.nvfc.org/pandemicflu. Fire Corps volunteers can find information on how they can help at www.firecorps.org/pandemicflu.

Find more health and wellness tips, nutrition advice, and other resources for staying healthy at healthy-firefighter.org.