Prepare, protect and use your common sense

Virginia Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Remley wants you to remember these three health messages as you plan to attend the Presidential Inauguration 2009:

• Prepare to be outside in cold or inclement weather for many hours.
• Prepare to walk long distances and stand for several hours.
•  Prepare to take with you the necessary medicine or food you might need if you are delayed by events or traffic for several hours. 

To protect your health in large crowds and in winter weather, review this information:

• In large crowds, viruses can spread like gossip. Learn how to protect yourself against the spread of illness and how to avoid infecting others.
• Standing outdoors for several hours during wintry weather requires preparing to wear layers of clothing to protect you from the cold.
• Did you get your flu vaccine this season? Find out where you can get vaccinated.
• Are you feeling achy and feverish? Learn how to treat influenza at home and determine if you need to visit your physician.

Other Web sites to help you prepare to attend the Inauguration festivities:

• Presidential ’09 Inauguration provides information about the Inauguration festivities, spectator information and travel within the District of Columbia. Sign up for emergency text alerts during Jan. 16-23 under “SERVICES.”
  
• Virginia State Police Inauguration 2009 is the main Virginia government Web site for information on the Inauguration. Check here for links to traffic and transit information, as well as maps and weather forecasts.

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