WHEREAS; Nevada residents may pass the flu to others before knowing that they are sick, and most healthy adults may infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick; and

WHEREAS; ; the 2008-2009 influenza season was associated with greater overall mortality and higher rates of hospitalizations among children, and the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recently expanded their recommendations for routine seasonal influenza vaccination to include all school-age children up to the age of 18 years; and

WHEREAS; health care personnel and others in close contact with persons in high-risk groups should also be vaccinated to decrease the risk of transmitting infection to their co-workers, patients and family members; and

WHEREAS; individuals have an important role in protecting themselves and their families; and the State of Nevada, following CDC recommendations, strongly encourages all residents, especially children and parents, to receive an annual flu vaccination; and

WHEREAS; everyone should take these everyday steps to lessen the spread of influenza viruses, including covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, follow effective hand washing procedures, and stay home whenever possible when you are sick; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JIM GIBBONS, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby recognize September 12 – 18, 2009 as