Keeping residents informed about H1 N1 Flu (swine influenza), Kirkland City Hall issued a health advisory recommending the public to stay on top of personal prevention concerns and a possible public health response.

In place to manage any local emergency response, Kirkland Fire Department spokesperson Robin Paster said the City’s Emergency Management Division is receiving regular updates from Public Health-Seattle & King County (PHSKC). General information about swine flu can be found at PHSKC’s website here. Information is also available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here.

The CDC offers the following prevention tips:

· 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 hand cleaners are also effective.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

· Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

· If you become ill with flu-like symptoms, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

For specific questions regarding the city preparedness activities, please contact Robin Paster at 425-587-3659 or rpaster@ci.kirkland.wa.us.