Dear Neighbor:

As most of you are well aware, a number of probable cases of swine flu have been identified in Washington state, including several in King County.

As chair of the King County Council, I have been kept apprised of all new developments and have been very impressed with the hard work and dedication of the staff at Public Health – Seattle & King County in addressing this threat to our common health.

Like any form of influenza, swine flu is spread through human contact, and because it is a new strain of disease, some people may be more susceptible to catching it. This should remind us all of a few basic rules we already know (or should know):

• Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
• Cover all coughs and sneezes.
• If you are sick, you should stay home from work.
• If you have children who are not feeling well, they should stay home from school.

And, as for any natural, human-caused, or health emergency, everyone should have basic supplies of water, food, and regular medications on hand at home.

Remember, knowledge is power—and the Public Health – Seattle & King County website is a great resource on what is happening in our community and how we can be prepared.

Here is a link to get you started: www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/preparedness/pandemicflu/swineflu.aspx

We are fortunate to live in one of the best prepared regions of the country. Our health department is one of the best in the nation. I am confident in the ability of our department, county, and community to carry out the plans that we have been working on for several years.

Sincerely,

Dow Constantine
Chair, King County Council
District Eight