Newsroom > DHHS News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2010

CONTACT
Leah Bucco-White, Communications and Legislative Services, 402-471-9356, leah.bucco-white@nebraska.gov

DHHS Flu Prevention Tip of the Week

For the Week of Jan. 25


Note:  A sound bite is available at:   http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/audio.aspx

Flu prevention tip of the week from Dr. Joann Schaefer, Chief Medical Officer for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

“Not smoking is always beneficial to your health, especially during flu season.  Research shows smoking interferes with the body’s ability to keep bacteria and debris out of the lungs.  Smokers or those who are exposed to secondhand smoke are more prone to respiratory illnesses, like flu, and more severe complications.”  

For the latest flu updates and information about flu prevention, visit the DHHS Web site at www.dhhs.ne.gov/PublicHealth/Pages/influenza_index.aspx.  Questions about the flu?  Call the DHHS Flu Information Hotline from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday at 888-541-5668 or 402-471-2579.

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