Utah wants 'Flu Fighters'

Utah Jazz forward Paul Millsap is one. So is Gov. Gary Herbert. And the Utah Department of Health wants you to be a "Flu Fighter," too.

"The key message we hope gets through is that there are simple, proactive steps everybody can take to fight the flu," said the executive director, Dr. David Sundwall, while introducing the state's new flu-prevention campaign Monday.

In addition to the Utah Department of Health, the state's 12 local health departments and representatives from the private health-care sector are trying to put everyone in a combative mood this fall when it comes to stopping the spread of H1N1 influenza.

The campaign features 100 billboards, some of them in Spanish, plus TV commercials featuring Millsap and Herbert, and a strong presence on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. It also includes a new Web site, www.utahflufighters.org.

The promotion was developed to give residents information on how to prevent the flu, how to get vaccinated and what to do if they become ill.

"We hope to help educate Utahns on when it is and is not appropriate to seek medical care if they become sick," said Dr. Susan Terry, a primary-care physician with University of Utah Health Care. "The private health-care sector is there to help sick people, and we want to make sure we preserve our ability to help those people by keeping others who don't need medical attention out of emergency rooms and doctors' offices."

"Giving Utahns the information they need to make good decisions about their health and the health of their families is one of our most important jobs right now," Dr. Joseph Miner, Utah County Health Department executive director, said, adding that the campaign provides one-stop shopping for that information.

Miner also stressed the flu is spread primarily by hand contact on contaminated surfaces. That's why hand washing and not touching your face is critical.

Sundwall said he attended two church services Sunday and observed some efforts to fight spread of the flu. He said the bishop at one LDS Church service stressed members avoid shaking hands for the time being. He said similar cautions were made at a Presbyterian church.

The Utah Health Department also is looking at ways to more efficiently distribute the limited supply of vaccine. Utah has only received 10 percent of what it expected to have at this point.

"To be honest … we're learning on the ground," he said. "This is unprecedented."

Miner said Utah County tried to count people in line for its flu vaccine distribution and urged those who would not receive a dose before it ran out to leave.

The number of flu cases could peak soon in Utah, but there may be another wave of cases in February or March, Miner said, adding it's still wise to get vaccinated even after cases start declining.

The Flu Fighter Web site is available in English and Spanish. The campaign is also at www.facebook.com/UtahFluFighters; www.twitter.com/UtahFluFighters; and www.youtube.com/UtahFluFighters. Those without the Internet can dial 211.

e-mail: lynn@desnews.com