MEDIA TIP SHEET/EXPERT AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT
Epidemiologist Dr. Ann Kurth has tips on things you can do to reduce risk of acquisition transmission of the influenza virus
New York University College of Nursings Dr Ann Kurth, an expert in infectious disease transmission, is available to comment on-camera about the Swine Flu outbreak. Dr. Kurth, a nurse trained in epidemiology, with a focus on behavioral aspects of HIV and infectious diseases and their transmission, wants the public at large to know:
Remember the basic principles of disease prevention:
- frequent and thorough hand washing;
- cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing;
- stay home if you are feeling sick or have flu-like symptoms;
- and avoid crowds when possible.
Keep informed by trustworthy sources, including:
- NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/home/home.shtml
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636), www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm
- World Health Organization www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
Nurses play a vital role as front-line providers and first responders in monitoring infectious disease, tracking outbreaks, and reporting data to local and state health departments, said Dr. Kurth. They staff the health facilities where acute cases are managed. Thats why support for caregivers, and adequate staffing for health care and public health systems, remains critical.
As a nurse, Dr. Kurth can provide a front-line perspective on the response to the epidemic being provided by the public health community.
To schedule an interview with Dr. Kurth, please call Christopher James 212-998-6876 (office) 347-421-0832 (mobile) or email christopher.james@nyu.edu.