H1N1/Swine Flu - what you SHOULD be doing anyway

There is great concern about the H1N1 or swine flu - and rightfully so. It appears that health officials still don't know enough about the virus to contain it or even diagnose it. We know that the symptoms are very similar to regular flu symptoms - cold, body aches, chills, fever etc. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is also concerned that cases are popping up all over the country and in some instance, they can't yet explain how the probable patient could have contracted the virus. It seems serious enough - right. The World Health Organization is also raising the alarm so I think it's pretty serious.

However the precautionary measures are so simple that I can't help but say huhhhhh? The CDC has a list of recommendations for folks to stay healthy, but really these are things that we should be doing anyway - right!!?!?!?!?

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

So.................what value have these recommendations added? At this point, the CDC should just say "listen to your mama" on their website until they have more information.