H1N1 INFLUENZA
WARDEN MESSAGE (4/30/2009)
This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of H1N1 Influenza A, formerly known as swine flu. So far no cases of the swine flu have been reported in Syria, but there are confirmed cases in the region. The Embassy does not know of any special steps or restrictions imposed by the Syrian Government.
The following are some helpful tips on what you can do to stay healthy:
Everyday Actions
-- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
-- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
-- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
-- Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Try to Avoid Close Contact with Sick People
-- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
-- If you get sick, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
For further information about H1N1 flu, including steps you can take to stay healthy, please consult the Department of State information at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_pandemic.html,
the United States Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu,
and the World Health Organization website at
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.
For additional travel safety information, please consult the State Department's website at www.travel.state.gov.
U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the United States for the latest travel information. The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries.
Americans living or traveling in Syria are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Syria. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American
citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The address of the U.S. Embassy and contact information is listed above.