In crowded settings, social distancing (that is, measures that increase the physical space between people and reduce their frequency of close contact) is difficult to maintain. Moreover, at public gathering events that are celebratory in nature (such as weddings, graduation ceremonies), participants frequently have social personal contact (like handshaking and hugging). As a result, there may be increased risk for spread of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus among attendees of such events and subsequent spread of illness in the community or in communities to where attendees return. The recommendations below are intended to reduce the spread of influenza infection in communities.

3M Co. said it is racing to meet demand for it N95 respiratory masks amid surging demand brought on by the outbreak of swine flu.

Spokeswoman Jacqueline Berry said the masks are now on back order — meaning the Minnesota-based company doesn’t have enough of them on hand to ship to all the customers who want them. “We’ve significantly increased production and we are working hard to meet the demand,” she said.

You can buy N95 Swine Flu Masks from 3M in our Stop H1N1 Store – you can also get handwashing disinfectant, respirators, and gloves.