Red Cross urges public to prepare for flu season

MYRTLE BEACH - As fall approaches and students prepare to return to school, the Coastal South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross is urging the public do everything possible to stay ahead of the flu.

The H1N1 or Swine flu has now seen a death toll of 1,000 people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

According to a news release, a flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which people have little or no immunity.

Prevention can include extra measures to ensure that commonly touched surfaces are disinfected and strict enforcement of exclusion policies for individuals with flu-like symptoms.

Since the fall could bring additional cases of the flu to the area, the public is encouraged to learn more about how to prepare for and prevent the flu, the release said.

The local American Red Cross chapter, in cooperation with the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, offers speakers to help educate the public about pandemic flu. Registered nurses and health educators Saundra Carmichael and Fran Long are available to make free presentations and provide educational materials about pandemic flu.

For information or to schedule a speaker for your business, civic group, or church, call Faye Dorman, SC DHEC at 915-8882 or the Red Cross at 477-0020.