As a member of a society focused on curative medicine and as a nurse, I am elated to see that with the recent spread and concern about the H1N1 flu, the media are being utilized to inform the public about key preventive measures ("H1N1 flu spreading changes in behavior," Tribune , Nov. 1).

One way to help stop the spread of H1N1 is to have sick people stay home. I am glad to learn that schools are doing away with perfect attendance awards and employers are being more flexible with sick-day limitations. According to the Centers for Disease Control, people infected with the "swine" flu may be able to infect others for as long as five to seven days after becoming ill. Consequently, the preventive practice by schools and employers of having sick people stay home decreases the spread of this contagious virus. Hopefully, more people will stay home when feeling ill and help stop the spread of the flu.

Whitney Taylor

Provo