Dear Customer:

Very recently there have been reports of confirmed cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) in several areas across the United States including eight cases found among New York City high school students. The other cases were detected in Ohio, Kansas, Texas and seven in California.  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Sunday it has declared a public health emergency in a bid to stop the spread of a swine flu virus.

Richard Besser, acting director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), indicated that the U.S. cases were identical to the swine flu that has been hitting Mexico, where 81 deaths were deemed "likely linked" to the new strain of the virus with more than 1,300 reported ill.

While the CDC continues to work with local and state health agencies to investigate these cases, they have determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.  However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.  Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. The CDC has stated that the virus was a never-before-seen mixture of viruses typical among pigs, birds and humans. All confirmed US patients have recovered.

The following are some “tips” for limiting your risk of catching the swine flu which comes from the CDC and attached are questions and answers from the CDC’s website.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.

The Eastern Bag & Paper Group supplies a number of products which are effective against influenza.  Attached is a list of relevant products that are recommended to help stop the spread of infection.

For more information on the swine flu please visit www.cdc.gov, www.hhs.gov, www.who.int.

Stay healthy,
The Eastern Bag & Paper Group