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"Unlike the various strains of animal flu that have emerged in the past, it's a flu that is spreading from human to human," Obama said in his weekly address. "This creates the potential for a pandemic, which is why we are acting quickly and aggressively."
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U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius receives a hug from U.S. President Barack Obama at her ceremonial swearing-in ceremony at the White House in Washington May 1, 2009 |
As part of precautions, the Centers for Disease Control has recommend that schools and child care facilities with confirmed cases of the virus close for up to 14 days, and employers are also urged to do the same.
The president also urged parents and businesses think about contingency plans if children have to stay home.
"We have asked every American to take the same steps you would take to prevent any other flu: keep your hands washed, cover your mouth when you cough, stay home from work if you're sick, and keep your children home from school if they're sick," he said.
The White House has launched pages in social network like Facebook, My Space and Twitter to support the ongoing efforts to update the public as quickly and effectively as possible, he added.
On the other hand, the U.S. will continue to invest in "every resource" necessary to treat the virus and prevent a wider outbreak.
"It is my greatest hope and prayer that all of these precautions and preparations prove unnecessary," the president said. "I would sooner take action now than hesitate and face graver consequences later."