Barrow Releases Radio Address On H1N1 Flu

Statement

Congressman John Barrow (GA-12) today released a radio address on the immediate threat of H1N1 this flu season and what we can all do the curb its spread.

Barrow's address is being released the week after a House Energy and Commerce hearing titled, "Preparing for the 2009 Pandemic Flu," at which Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius updated members of Congress on the status of the virus and shared simple steps folks can take to keep themselves safe.

"Although evidence to date shows that the virus has fortunately not changed to become more deadly...we need to monitor the impact of the 2009 H1N1 and the seasonal flu throughout the next several months," said Sebelius. "The virus is infecting more people than we typically see with seasonal flu, including children, younger adults, and pregnant women. Slowing the spread of the virus is a responsibility shared by all of us, and there are some simple steps we can take such as hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when you're sick."

In his radio address, Barrow urges folks to take these precautions to prevent the spread of the H1N1 and stresses that children are at especially higher risk. Parents and teachers need to be especially vigilant this back-to-school season.

"When all of our kids are at school together, they're at risk," said Barrow. "One kid's infection can easily become everyone's infection. While we all need to be cautious, I urge folks to teach their kids to take the proper steps to minimize their chances of getting sick. I hope our radio stations will play this message so that Georgia families will be reminded of what they can to do to help fight the spread of H1N1."

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