News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Contact: HHS Press Office (202) 690-6343

HHS Unveils New Features on Flu.gov

Evaluation Guide, Flu Myths and Facts, Flu Essentials Flyers Among New Resources

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today unveiled several new resources on the federal government’s one-stop resource for flu information --   www.flu.gov .  The Web site now features a new  H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation  guide  for adults 18 and older along with a new  Flu Myths and Facts  section, which provides the public with the latest and most accurate information about the flu.

“Flu.gov is a one-stop clearinghouse for the latest news about the flu,” said Secretary Sebelius.  “These new resources on flu.gov will help individuals get critical information on how to protect themselves and their families from the H1N1 virus. They will also help us to get accurate information out into the public realm so people know what the facts are about the flu.”

The new  Flu Myths and Facts  section on   flu.gov   debunks some of the myths about the H1N1 virus and vaccine, and provides accurate information on vaccinations, the flu, and public health.

The   H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation   guide on   flu.gov  will give individuals 18 and older more information about what they can do to take care of themselves, prevent the spread of the flu to other members of their families, and identify the warning signs of more serious flu symptoms -- symptoms that require the attention of a medical professional.

The information in the  H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation guide is designed for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for your doctor’s advice.  It does not capture identifiable information in any manner and is completely anonymous.  Organizations providing public health education, blogs, and members of the media can add it to their Web sites.

“One way that we can help relieve some of the burden on the states and local providers this flu season is by helping people understand what the warning signs are when it comes to the flu,” said Secretary Sebelius. “In addition to theSelf-Evaluation  guide, we have also created some handy one-page information sheets called  Flu Essentials  that people can share with family, friends and neighbors.”

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at  http://communitydispatch.com/news.

Last revised: October 07, 2009