Washington County Activates Public Hotline for Questions about H1N1 Virus

For Immediate Release: Monday, May 04, 2009

Washington County public health opened a bi-lingual hotline this afternoon for citizens concerned about H1N1 Virus, also known as Swine Flu. The hotline will be available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number is:

(503) 846-2999

Washington County is working closely with the Oregon Department of Human Services and other Public Health Departments in the four-county Portland region to coordinate information for care providers, schools and the general public. The Washington County Department of Health and Human Services continues to staff its Departmental Operations Center to coordinate activities related to the H1N1 flu.

The County also continues to recommend the following precautions to help prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus:

• 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 are sick, stay home. Do not go to work, school, church, or any public gatherings. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

Further information about the H1N1 virus is available at the Washington County Web site at: www.co.washington.or.us/flu.cfm or www.Flu.Oregon.gov.

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