Pairing masks and hand washing could drastically slow spread of pandemic flu
Pairing masks and hand washing could drastically slow spread of pandemic flu
ANN ARBOR, Mich. Jan 25, 2012 —Masks and hand hygiene could cut the spread of flu-like symptoms up to 75 percent, a University of Michigan study found. A new report shows the second-year results (2007-2008) of the ground-breaking UM M-Flu study found up to a 75 percent reduction in flu-like illness over the study period when using hand hygiene and wearing surgical masks in residence halls, said Allison Aiello, associate professor of epidemiology in the UM School of Public Health. Read full release.
Arnold Monto Explains the New H3N2 Strain
ANN ARBOR, Mich. Dec 20, 2011—The novel influenza A (H3N2) virus flu strain has received a lot of attention lately. But what does it really mean when a new flu strain develops? Flu expert Arnold Monto, professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, puts it into context. "The new strain is similar to one that circulated about 20 years ago, which means that older people are probably going to be less susceptible to this virus than younger people,"
Monto says in the video, below.
Announcing the UM SPH's new Certificate in Health Care Infection Prevention & Control (CHIP), which provides UM SPH students with the training necessary to become part of a HAI prevention and control team post-graduation. Details.
UM SPH flu expert Arnold Monto was quoted in May 2011 in a widely distributed AP news story. Written by Atlanta-based medical writer and CDC beat reporter Mike Stobbe, it explained details related to 2011’s flu vaccine replicating 2010’s. The article concluded: "The bottom line is, with our current knowledge, we believe it is better to be re-vaccinated. And getting another shot is certainly not going to harm you," said Dr. Arnold Monto, an esteemed University of Michigan flu expert.
For Vaccine Season
University of Michigan Health System’s Michigan Visiting Nurses and health centers offer offer flu vaccinations, the most reliable way to ward off the flu.
Keep you hands away from your eyes, nose or mouth.
Maintain healthy habits – get ample sleep and exercise, drink fluids, eat well.
Avoid contact with people if you, or they, are sick; stay at home—from work, school or other public activities—when you are ill.
Maintain increased social distance, and shield others from your coughs and sneezes by using a tissue.
This page will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.
VIDEO: The Germ Hunter
From the November 2010 symposium Influenza as a Global Concern: Where Do We Go from Here, in honor of UM SPH Professor Arnold Monto.
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School of Public Health Contact Information
Terri Mellow, Director of Communications, University of Michigan School of Public Health
1415 Washington Heights, 3542 SPH I, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029 Telephone: 734-764-8094; Fax: 734-763-5455; E-mail: twm@umich.edu
If you want to be added to regular distribution for news releases, contact Laura Bailey, 734-764-1552
UM SPH Flu Experts, for Media
(For Media and Health Officials only; contact info):
Non-pharmaceutical interventions (personal protective measures - mask and hand washing; social distancing - quarantine, closing of schools, travel limitations and closing of public health events): Monto, Aiello, Boulton
For SPH experts on these and many more topics, see the Experts List.
Background: With or without pandemic, influenza is a serious health threat. From the first effective influenza vaccine to the FluMist nasal spray vaccine, the University of Michigan has been at the forefront of efforts to combat this viral killer. SPH experts are staying on the forefront of the flu watches worldwide. More information on UM flu resources is available through the university Health System and News Service. See also Michigan Department of Community Health.
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Maintain increased social distance, and shield others from your coughs and sneezes by using a tissue.
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