Obama: Sneeze into Your Sleeve, Not Your Hands

By: Stephanie Condon
Topics: Domestic Issues

(AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Every American has a role to play in responding to the H1N1 flu virus, President Obama said today. During an afternoon statement in the Rose Garden of the White House, Mr. Obama had a message for people to prevent the spread of the disease: Wash your hands frequently, and cover your sneezes with your sleeve, not your hands.

"I don't want anybody to be alarmed, but I do want everybody to be prepared," the president said.

The new government push about H1N1 prevention also includes a new White House health advocate: Elmo, who started appearing in government public service announcements today. (Click here for more information on the Elmo PSA and to watch one.)

An effective H1N1 vaccine is in the works, Mr. Obama said, and a flu shot program should begin soon, which he said will be voluntary but "strongly recommended."

However, getting vaccinated may be a bit tricky, Oren Cohen, the chief medical and scientific officer for the pharmaceutical services company Quintiles Transnational, explained to the Hotsheet. Quintiles is working on a number of new treatments for influenza.

Cohen said the earliest he estimates a significant number of doses of a vaccine could be available would be mid-October.

"I think this fall it's unlikely we're going to have enough supply of vaccine to go around to the entire population," he said.

Given that reality, Cohen said the Obama administration is responding appropriately by "thinking on their feet and making appropriate judgments as things play out."

CBSNews.com Special Report: H1N1

Indeed, Mr. Obama said today his administration anticipates that they will have to deal with unexpected issues related to the flu over the next several months.

"The way it's moving is still somewhat unpredictable," he said. "But what I'm absolutely confident about is that our team that's assembled here has done an extraordinary job in preparing for whatever may happen."

The president's emphasis may encourage people to seek out the vaccine, Cohen said, but it will still be an uphill battle to create enough awareness. He said in a normal flu season, only half of those recommended to receive a flu shot actually receive one.

On top of that, the H1N1 vaccine will most likely be require two separate shots, Cohen said. He explained that the virus is different enough from other common viruses that it will take at least two doses to effectively immunize a person from H1N1.

"It does create a logistical challenge to say the least," he said.

The president said today that response plans have been put in place across all levels of government to deal with the second, larger wave of the flu that is expected to hit.

"Our plans and decisions are based on the best scientific information available, and as the situation changes, we will continue to update the public," Mr. Obama said.

Stephanie Condon
Stephanie Condon is a political reporter for CBSNews.com.
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by nolongersick September 7, 2009 3:17 PM EDT: My daughter came home from school the other day saying that they learned to cough and sneeze into their elbow with Germy Wormy Germ Smart for Kids and I was totally taken aback. I always covered with my hands. But I went to the website and now I get it, hands touch, elbows don't!! a kids can touch 300 surfaces in 1/2 hour and they hate to wash their hands. - I agree with Obama - this is a simple thing that can make a huge difference. Now just gotta figure out how to break my bad habit.; Reply to this comment


by AKNH September 3, 2009 8:32 AM EDT: Obama: Wash Kitchen Cutting Boards Between Meat and Vegetables

Obama: Brush and Floss Every Day

Obama: Wipe Front-to-Back, Not Back-to-Front

Obama: Get Eight Hours of Sleep Every Night; Reply to this comment


by underdogus09 September 1, 2009 8:10 PM EDT: http://www.infowars.com/fema-to-conduct-massive-nle-09-martial-law-exercise-next-week/
July 23, 2009
FEMA to Conduct Massive NLE 09 Martial Law Exercise Next Week; Reply to this comment


by underdogus09 September 1, 2009 8:04 PM EDT: ... People who do not wake up will wake up in a fema camp one day...; Reply to this comment


by valleywiz September 1, 2009 6:22 PM EDT: I'm washing my hands....; Reply to this comment

by underdogus09 September 1, 2009 5:53 PM EDT

It looks like the Global elite are preparing to make it Law that everybody is vaccinated involuntarily, or rounded up and quarantined in FEMA camps which are set up and ready.....

Reply to this comment


by reveal5 September 1, 2009 6:11 PM EDT: Paranoia and fear run deep in the fringe lagoon.


by reveal5 September 1, 2009 6:29 PM EDT: President Obama said the vaccination program is voluntary, but recommended. underdogus, don't be a chump. H1N1 is not a conspiracy to deprive you of your freedom. The Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization are actually not in a conspiracy to deprive underdog of his civil rights. You are suffering from paranoia probably fed to you from right wing talk radio. H1N1 is real, the vaccination will be available, after testing, for anyone who wants the immunization. No one is going to force you to get an H1N1 vaccination. The choice is yours.


by specialty8 September 1, 2009 5:21 PM EDT: It took five idiots to make this astonishing speech.No wonder all goverment programs are broke. But we can handle health care? Obama bunch could not handle cash for clunkers.; Reply to this comment


by specialty8 September 1, 2009 5:08 PM EDT: Another great comment, I did not know he was a doctor along with all his other jobs. A man with man trades but a master of none.Obama "Inflate your tires, it will save fuel",priceless.; Reply to this comment