What Is the Take the Lead Campaign?
In 2007, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched Phase I of the Take the Lead: Working Together to Prepare Now campaign. The goal was to increase the level of preparedness for new or severe flu outbreaks in communities around the country.
Management of the campaign was transferred to CDC, and the second phase of the campaign was launched in 2009. Eight diverse communities around the country are being asked to participate in this crucial initiative. CDC hopes to sustain and expand current campaign efforts by partnering with local health departments, key community leaders, and community organizations to conduct campaign activities intended to encourage local residents to prepare and respond to the flu.
What Is Phase II?
As Phase II of the campaign began, the 2009 H1N1 flu virus (sometimes called “swine flu”) emerged and spread rapidly worldwide. As a result, the focus of the campaign has shifted to address the need for immediate preparedness for future flu outbreaks and response to the 2009 H1N1 flu. In Phase II of the campaign, CDC hopes to not only increase and improve preparedness and response within communities participating in the campaign, but also to define the best approaches for how different types of communities can mobilize to help individuals and families prepare for H1N1 and other widespread influenza outbreaks in the future.
Technical assistance and resources will be available to facilitate successful participation in the campaign. The campaign toolkit will be available online at www.flu.gov. It will provide community organizations with a variety of resource materials, including fact sheets, Power points, and a poster. These tools can be used to help individuals learn about how they can prepare and protect themselves and their families from H1N1 and other widespread or severe influenza outbreaks.
What Can Individuals and Families Do to Prepare and Respond to the Flu (Including the 2009 H1N1 Flu) Now?
Every flu season can be serious, but the 2009 H1N1 flu may cause more people to become sick than usual. Also, seasonal flu viruses may spread and cause illness. Now is the time to take action against the flu.
CDC recommends three steps to fight the flu: take time to get vaccinated, take everyday preventive actions, and take antiviral drugs if you get sick and your health care provider prescribes them. Other actions that individuals and families can take now include: developing a family flu plan (e.g., plan for working at home and alternate child care arrangements); having basic medical supplies handy; and recording personal medical information and important contacts.
For more information on the flu (including 2009 H1N1 flu), visit www.flu.gov, www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu, or your local or State health department Web site. For more information on the Take the Lead campaign, visit www.flu.gov.
