Source:  The Texas Department of State Health Services

The Texas Department of State Health Services along with state and local officials today launched this year’s Ready or Not? multilingual public education campaign to encourage Texans to prepare for emergencies.  “Whether it’s a hurricane, tornado or flood, a disaster can strike when we least expect it, and we want people to be  prepared,” said Dr. David Lakey, DSHS commissioner. “We’re one month into hurricane season, but it’s not too late to put together a plan.”

Ready or Not? or ¿Estás Listo? in Spanish uses radio, television, newspaper and online advertising; community outreach events; and its websites to encourage every Texan to create an emergency plan now. The goal is to help Texans be ready to respond to, and recover from, any natural or man made disaster.

http://www.texasprepares.org/

or en Espanol

http://www.texasprepara.org/

Source:  Texas Department of State Health Services

“The virus is still circulating. It’s still hospitalizing people. We’re seeing some increases in H1N1 activity in other parts of the country, and our illness patterns in Texas have generally followed what happens in the southeast,” said Dr. David Lakey, DSHS commissioner. “There is plenty of vaccine to go around. People who have not been vaccinated should do so now.”

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CDC Flu Information

Source:  Texas Department of State Health Services

The Flu Fighters teach elementary school students how to protect themselves from flu. Check out the animated videos and educational  activities.

View Flu Fighters Website

Source:  Texas Department of State Health Services

The Texas Department of State Health Services is offering free kits so Texans can test the radon level in their homes.

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Texas EDEN Household Hazards information

Source:  Texas Department of State Health Services

The Texas Department of State Health Services is encouraging people to get their H1N1 flu vaccination now.

“There is the potential for another wave of illness. People should not become complacent about protecting themselves,” said Dr. David

Lakey, DSHS commissioner. “Get vaccinated, wash your hands and stay home if you’re sick.”

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Texas EDEN Flu Resources

Source:  Texas Department of State Health Services

The Texas Department of State Health Services is encouraging people to get their seasonal flu vaccination now.

“Don’t wait. Get your seasonal flu vaccination now,” said Dr. David Lakey, DSHS Commissioner. “It’s one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from seasonal flu.”

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For more information about flu in Texas, visit DSHS’ www.TexasFlu.org.

Source: Texas Department of State Health Services

When disaster hits, Texans need to be ready. Follow the simple step-by-step online guide to building your plan–including family strategies, handy checklists, and special needs considerations for the disabled, the elderly and pets.

View READY OR NOT? Website

Source: Texas Department of State Health Services

The Texas Department of State Health Services is asking Texans to use discretion and not automatically seek treatment for flu-like symptoms in hospital emergency rooms.

Reports of periodic overcrowding of hospital ERs around the state prompted the advice from DSHS officials who said many people showing up in ERs may have nothing more than seasonal allergies or mild colds.

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4/27/2009 – H1N1 (Swine Flu) Information and Updates

Source:  Texas Department of State Health Services

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health officials are investigating H1N1 (swine influenza) cases in people in several U.S. states, including Texas. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and whether additional people have been infected with H1N1 (swine influenza) viruses.

View DSHS H1N1 (Swine Flu) Page

Highlights:

- DSHS News Releases
- CDC Information
- Personal & Family Preparedness
- Information for Professionals

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4/26/2009 – H1N1 (Swine Influenza) Information

Source:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

View H1N1 (Swine Flu) Information from CDC

Highlights:

- More on the Situation
- General Info on H1N1 (Swine Flu)
- What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
- Related Links

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4/25/2009 – Gov. Perry Takes Precautionary Measures to Address H1N1 (Swine Flu) in Texas

Source:  Office of the Governor Rick Perry

Gov. Rick Perry today in a precautionary measure requested the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide 37,430 courses of antiviral medications from the Strategic National Stockpile to Texas to prevent the spread of H1N1 (swine flu).  Currently, three cases of swine flu have been confirmed in Texas.

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Source:  Texas Department of State Health Services

The Texas Department of State Health Services today announced that H1N1 (swine flu) has been confirmed in two 16-year-old boys from Guadalupe County near San Antonio.

One became ill on April 10, the other on April 14. Their illnesses were relatively mild. Neither was hospitalized. Both have recovered. Though the boys are friends, it has not been determined how either became infected.

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More about H1N1 (Swine Flu) from the CDC