Polls Show Americans Concerned About Swine Flu, Taking Actions to Protect ...( Red Cross Survey Findings show people...),Health

Red Cross Survey Findings show people are following common sense practices to prevent the spread of flu- proper hand washing, visiting the doctor and staying home when sick

WASHINGTON, May 6 /PRNewsiwre-USNewswire/ -- One in three Americans is worried about the swine flu (H1N1) outbreak, but more than half of the people are paying extra attention to good hygiene and preparedness as a way of protecting themselves from the virus, according to a new poll by the American Red Cross.

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The survey of 1,004 U.S. adults, taken May 1-4, shows that four out of five of those surveyed reported that they are following the swine flu story very or fairly closely, and 36 percent said they were either very worried (8 percent) or somewhat worried (28 percent) about this flu virus.

But the swine flu outbreak has prompted people to take more steps to prevent the spread of the virus, with 55 percent saying they are paying extra attention to proper hand washing, 48 percent covering their coughs more, and 41 percent disinfecting surfaces more. In addition, more than one in three have used hand sanitizers more and made an extra effort to avoid touching their mouth, nose and eyes.

"This swine flu virus continues to have the potential to spread throughout the U.S. Families, businesses and organizations should continue to follow good public health practices and to review and update their preparedness plans," said Scott Conner, Senior Vice President, American Red Cross Preparedness and Health and Safety Services. "Even if this version of the swine flu virus is not as dangerous as initially feared, public health officials worry that it could come back in a more severe form later this year. The Red Cross believes that prudent preparedness steps now ca
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