Dear University of Maryland community,

Did you know that no one knows for sure how the flu is transmitted? There
are several possible routes that the influenza virus may take to spread
from person to person (contact, large droplet spray, or aerosol
transmission). The Got Flu? study, led by the School of Public Health's
Dr. Don Milton, will lead to a better understanding of methods to reduce
the spread of influenza. Got Flu? could potentially have widespread public
health implications, protecting populations from the influenza virus and
alleviating future epidemics and pandemics worldwide! Those affiliated
with UMD who sign up to participate at http://www.gotflu.org/ (no sickness
required) have a chance to be entered into weekly, monthly and end of the
semester drawings which include cash and iPad prizes.

Those who get the flu can help us find out how influenza spreads between
people and be paid for nasal and breath samples. Call us right away at
424-246-8358, email [log in to unmask], or go to Got Flu
<http://sites.ephtracking.net/gotflu/QX_Interval.aspx?fnw=1>, to arrange a
time to come to the School of Public Health. If you know someone with
fever and cough, please tell them to call or email us right away! We will
be collecting samples every day in January.

We take appointments everyday - YES, even on weekends! So, if you get a
fever and cough - don¹t wait - call or email us right away. It could pay
($20 for nasal swabs or $100 if you qualify for the full study) because
the sooner you call, the sooner you can come in, and the sooner you come
in, the more likely you can be paid up to three times ($300 total)!

Also this winter, we will still be collecting weekly surveys and raffling
off $550 every month- and you can still sign up to be part of the
surveillance study whether or not you get flu. Please visit
http://www.gotflu.org/ to sign up if you have not already. We will
announce the first round of iPad gift recipients on January 28. Increase
your chances of winning by answering the emailed survey every week!

Stay well, and best wishes for a safe, healthy, and happy New Year. But,
if you do get the flu, at least we can help you find a silver lining. And
remember, the best way to protect yourself is a flu shot.

Thank you for your support,
The Got Flu? Team