Three cases of swine flu have been reported at WaPo's headquarters at 15th and L St. Those three employees were asked to stay home for a week and the rest of the office has been instructed to use hand sanitizers and follow various simple precautions.

See WaPo's swine memo to staffers after the jump...

We want to update you on the recently reported cases of the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus involving employees who work in our NW Building, and the steps we have taken to help prevent the spread of the virus. We are aware of 3 cases involving our employees or their families. These employees were instructed to stay home for 7 days after their symptoms, or their family member's symptoms, began. Those employees who work in the same general area as the affected employees were notified of the situation and the appropriate areas of the building were disinfected. We will also be placing bottles of hand sanitizer throughout common meeting areas of the building for employee use.

The spread of H1N1 virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

This is a reminder to take these everyday steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.