The MBTA is reminding our employees and passengers to do what they can to stay healthy and help minimize the spread of H1N1 flu virus.

What We Are Doing

The MBTA is frequent contact with the Boston Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for updates and any developments with H1N1 flu.
To help reduce exposure to flu on the MBTA, we have a thorough cleaning process on our buses, trains and stations and on areas such as our fare collection equipment, escalator hand rails, elevator controls, and multiple contact surfaces aboard our subway vehicles and buses.

What You Can Do

The CDC advises that influenza is spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.  To prevent catching or spreading the flu, follow these everyday actions:

• Get vaccinated.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• When you cough or sneeze cover your nose and mouth with a tissue. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.  If you don’t have a tissue, use your upper arm not your hand.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Because MBTA vehicles are heavily used, customers may want to consider carrying tissues, hand-sanitizing gels or disinfecting wipes.

Currently there are no public health recommendations in the State of Massachusetts other than the personal hygiene actions listed above. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is the lead on public information and planning.

Stay informed by visiting these informational websites:

• www.flu.gov (US Department of Health & Human Services)
• www.mass.gov/flu (Massachusetts Department of Public Health)
• www.bphc.org (Boston Public Health Commission- includes list of flu clinics)
• http://flu.masspro.org/clinic/ (List of Flu Clinics in Massachusetts)