CDPHE Advises Students, Workers to Stay Home When Sick

DENVER - Stay home when you're sick instead of going to school or work and exposing others to influenza is the message state health officials hope the public hears when they watch a just-released television public service announcement (PSA) by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. A link to the PSA entitled, "Television PSA Urges People to Stay Home When Sick," can be viewed at  http://www.colorado.gov/nofluforyou. .

"While the PSA is about a student who makes countless others sick by coming to school when he's sick, we hope others will relate as this message applies to everyone.  If you're sick, you really need to stay home from school, work or any other activity where you will be around others," said the state's Chief Medical Officer Ned Calonge.

The spot turns the idea of a perfect attendance award ceremony on its head to shed some light on how not staying home when you're sick can have a real impact on others.

"We use humor in the PSA to draw attention to this issue, but, as anyone who has had 2009 H1N1 influenza can tell you, there's nothing funny about getting sick with this illness," Calonge said. "While most people can weather 2009 H1N1 fairly well, we need to remember the disease has proven to be very serious, even deadly, for some who are infected with the virus."

Calonge said he appreciates the support of students, parents, school officials, employees and employers as public health workers do what they can to limit the spread of 2009 H1N1. Calonge cautioned those infected with 2009 H1N1 to stay home and rest their bodies to fully recover.

 Through Oct. 31, a total of 1,553 flu hospitalizations from 48 counties in Colorado have been reported.  Thirty-four deaths, with most deaths occurring in the 25- to 49-year-old range have been reported. State laboratory surveillance continues to show that more than 99 percent of influenza viruses currently circulating in Colorado are the 2009 H1N1 virus.

Individuals with questions about H1N1 are encouraged to call CO HELP at 1-877-462-2911. The hotline has been established to respond to questions about H1N1 and seasonal influenza.

A "Home Care Guide" on caring for sick family members at home also is available for free. For a hard copy, call Nancy Enyart at 303-692-2639 or download it at http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/epr/Public/H1N1/HomeHealthcare/CDPHE_HomeCareGuide.pdf . .