With the threat of the Swine Flu virus spreading to pandemic levels, DSCC ask you to take steps to help avoid getting or spreading flu germs. Wash your hands. This is the simplest and most effective way to prevent the spread of the flu. Be sure to scrub your hands and wrists often for a minimum of 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Try keeping an alcohol-based hand sanitizer on hand for times when you are not able to wash with soap and water. Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue. (If you don't have a tissue, use your upper sleeve, not your hands.) Put the used tissue in a wastebasket, then wash your hands well. Stay at least three feet away if you or others are coughing and sneezing. If you get sick, act responsibly. If you think you might have caught a flu virus, call your health-care provider, a clinic or a local flu hotline. Be sure to ask: -If you should stay home and if so, for how long, -How to protect others - stay in a separate room when ill, -How to treat your symptoms, or if you should go in for testing or treatment. Get any available flu shots. The yearly vaccine helps prevent the seasonal flu. A vaccine will be produced as quickly as possible and administered to high-priority groups and those at most risk first - like those who provide essential services to help others. It should be available in October or November.