Is the swine flu, er is the H1N1 flu a real threat to you, or is it being blown out of proportion due to the 24-hour news cycle? Good question, but regardless, the National Park Service has tips for staying flu-free in the National Park System.

According to the folks at the Park Service's "public health program:"

Human cases of H1N1 flu have been identified in several states and countries, and case counts continue to increase. H1N1 flu is caused by an influenza virus that normally infects pigs but can also infect humans. The particular strain of H1N1 flu associated with this outbreak can be transmitted person-to-person. While medical experts continue to evaluate the outbreak and understand the virus, resources from across the federal government have mobilized to provide guidance to the American public and protect public health. The most up-to-date information on H1N1 flu can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [url=http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu]website]

Furthermore, the Park Service says individuals can stay healthy and help to prevent human-to-human transmission of swine flu by following these CDC guidelines:

* 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.

Also, "try to avoid close contact with sick people," says the Park Service.

* Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

* If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

NPS Efforts in Addressing the H1N1 Flu

The Park Service is closely monitoring the recent emergence of H1N1 flu in Mexico and the United States. It is working with the Department of the Interior (DOI), the Department of Homeland Security, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other federal agencies to better understand and minimize the potential health risks of H1N1 flu to employees and visitors. Specific actions NPS is taking include the following:

* NPS is working closely with CDC, DOI and other federal agencies to communicate and coordinate.

* The NPS Office of Public Health is closely following this dynamic situation and is producing daily updates for NPS senior staff.

* The Emergency Services Branch and the Office of Public Health are coordinating Service-wide communication, preparation, and response.

* NPS established two web sites for disseminating information and guidance, one internal and this public site. These will be updated and additional information will be added as it becomes available.

* The need for agency specific preparations and responses is being evaluated and guidance will be provided as it is developed and appropriate.