Health & Wellness

Information From the Washington State Department of Health

This fall, the H1N1 (swine flu) virus that first appeared last spring is expected to make large numbers of people sick. The Washington State Department of Health is working with federal, state and local partners to help people prepare for this serious public health concern.

Steps to Protect Yourself and Others

• Get vaccinated against the seasonal flu and H1N1. Seasonal flu vaccine is available now. The H1N1 vaccine is just now coming out in very limited quantities. There is expected a lot more by mid-November. (For information on vaccination, see this page.)
  
• Stay home if you're running a fever and have flu-like symptoms. See home care tips on this page.
• Cover your cough. Check here for helpful tips.
  
• Wash your hands.
  

For more extensive health information, visit the Washington State Department of Health's H1N1 webpage (www.doh.wa.gov/H1N1/). If you have questions or need advice on any specific issue, send the DOH an e-mail at prepare@doh.wa.gov.

Domestic Violence Awareness

October was National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is important to shed light on the devastating effects of domestic violence and show support for those who are or have been victims.

Abuse resulting from domestic violence cuts across all socioeconomic, ethnic, racial, religious and age groups, tears apart families and affects the emotional well-being of children. Although both sexes can be affected by domestic violence, women are disproportionately victims of this crime. One in four women in the U.S. will experience domestic violence at some point in her life, and more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends every day. Women in racial, ethnic and immigrant communities are also much less likely to seek help or report abuse because of lack of access to adequate domestic violence services or cultural beliefs that inhibit victims from coming forward.

For additional information please visit the OSHA Web site on workplace violence or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800–799–SAFE.