At RSNA 2008 we faced a 5% decline of attendees (total 58,795) at all. Industry exhibitors declined 12% (24,683) with 4% less exhibition space. At RSNA 2008 the RSNA opened Lakeside center as additional industry exhibition space (used to be InfoRAD area), which caused more walking distance for the attendees.
As we are now in the middle of the global economic downturn, it will be more likely, that we see another decrease of these numbers at the RSNA 2009 scientific sessions and technical exhibits at McCormick Place in Chicago Nov. 29 to Dec. 4.
The H1N1 flu will probably aggravate the decrease of the number of attendees.
With no major health organization advising delay, the Radiological Society of North America is moving forward with its 2009 meeting, despite evidence suggesting the week-long event will be held in the midst of an H1N1 flu epidemic.
The RSNA website published some Tips for Staying Healthy:
- Get vaccinated. Get your seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine when it is available. In clinical trials, most adults who got a single dose of H1N1 vaccine were protected within 8 to 10 days. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep the day before you are vaccinated. Sleep can boost the effectiveness of immunizations.
- Wash your hands frequently. Use soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve.
- Stay hydrated. During the winter months, we have a tendency to lose fluids when our heated homes and dry air rob us of moisture.
- Stay home if you are sick. Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
Of course, aycan will be present at booth # 8903 (Hall B) to showcase it’s products.
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