Minnesota Institute of Public Health

The human swine flu outbreak continues to grow in the United States and internationallly. Today, CDC reports additional cases of confirmed swine influenza and a number of hospitalizations of swine flu patients. Internationally, the situation is more serious too, with additional countries reporting confirmed cases of swine flu. In response to the intensifying outbreak, the World Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 4. A Phase 4 alert is characterized by confirmed person-to-person spread of a new influenza virus able to cause “community-level” outbreaks.” The increase in the pandemic alert phase indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased.

CDC has activated its emergency operations center to coordinate the agency’s emergency response. CDC ’s goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this swine influenza virus. Yesterday, CDC issued a travel warning recommending that people avoid non-essential travel to Mexico. CDC continues to issue interim guidance daily on the website and through health alert network notices. CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is releasing one-quarter of its antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to help states respond to the outbreak. The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available.

MN Information

WHO has raised the Pandemic Phase level to 5.

1. Parents, Parties and Preventing Underage Alcohol Use available on the SAMHSA website "Keeping Youth Mentally Healthy and Drug Free" 

2. Safe Prom Initiative is a two-page PDF that can be downloaded from the Michigan Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking (MCRUD).

3. Think About It - two PDFs from SADD. One is an 18-page booklet on planning and holding a pre-prom or graduation school assembly; the other is a 25-page campaign kit. Items from the kit can be tailored to, and implemented in, communities around prom and graduation time. To obtain either or both of these items, visit the SADD website.

1. Be prepared to deal with the pressures that come with the territory. Not everyone will be as smart as you. There will be some who will decide to drink or use drugs and try to encourage you to do the same. Don't be caught off guard and say yes to something you'll regret. Be ready to say no or walk away. Humor often works in these situations and once they realize you're not going to join them, they'll leave you alone.

2. Plan something fun and stick to the plan. Prom is all about the memories. If you and your friends plan something exciting, off-the-wall and memorable, no one will want to leave to drink or use drugs. You can go for coffee, grab a late night bite or even something silly like karaoke. By making firm plans, everyone will have a say and you'll look forward to just being together. This will be worth far more than one night of bad choices.

3. Be a leader for others to see. Just like peer pressure works to get others to drink or use drugs, it can also work in a positive way. If you're having a blast and are the life of the party and you're staying sober, others will take notice. Show them it's possible and actually better to have a good time without being intoxicated. You'll have a great time with no regrets.

4. Stay with your friends all night. It's fine to go to a party on prom night. For most, that's part of the experience. Just be sure you and your friends take care of each other. Watch your drinks so no one can slip you something and help each other stick to your decision to stay safe and sober. If something does happen, you'll be in control of your senses and able to get home safe and sound.

5. Drive carefully. Weekends and especially Prom night are the worst times to be on the road. There are more drunk drivers at that time. Be sure to drive carefully and know where you're going. Have a charged cell phone available in case of an emergency and take extra precautions like pausing another second at a red light or stop sign.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) in partnership with Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) is attempting to educate parents about the risks of teen prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse with national ads in newspapers and magazines across the country. Though overall teen drug use is down nationwide, more teens abuse prescription drugs than any other illicit drug, except marijuana - more than cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine combined. Download the publication "Teen Prescription Drug Abuse: An Emerging Threat". 

Recent news of alcohol related deaths of young people and reports of increases in binge drinking have parents concerned and wondering what more they can do. The following resources and links have been assembled to help parents of teens and college students to better understand alcohol use among young people and tips for how parents can help. www.parenting.umn.edu.