2009 Seasonal and H1N1 Flu Updates
10-27-09
The Bureau County Health Department would like to reassure the community that they are working diligently to provide seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccinations for our citizens. They are closely monitoring the situation and are making adjustments as needed. Please be patient, as this process will take time.
Health Department nurses and nurse-volunteers are currently vaccinating children for H1N1 in schools. “Flu viruses often spread quickly in schools as children are in close proximity to each other. “says Diana Rawlings, Public Health Administrator. “By vaccinating school children we may be able to slow down the spread of H1N1 influenza and lessen the number of people in the community who contract this illness.” This is the method many of the Counties that have received vaccine are using and it has been approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health, who provide H1N1 vaccine to health departments. Children are one of the priority groups set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to receive the vaccine.
Once the school clinics are complete the health department will begin offering H1N1 vaccinations to all CDC priority groups. They are anticipating these clinics will be held in mid-November. Another public seasonal flu shot clinic will be set after the H1N1 influenza clinics are completed. Please watch the newspaper for dates and times of these vaccination clinics. People in the H1N1 vaccine priority groups have a greater risk of developing complications from the flu. The priority groups include:
- Children age 6 months to 24 years.
- People who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months.
- Pregnant women.
- Health care and emergency medical personnel.
- People 25 years through 64 years of age who have certain medical conditions associated with a higher risk of influenza complications.
It is important to remember that not everyone will be affected by the flu (seasonal and H1N1) and most people who become ill will get better at home. H1N1 flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience an upset stomach and diarrhea.
If you have H1N1 symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has gone without the use of fever reducing medicine and limit contact with others. Get plenty of rest, drink fluids and take over-the-counter medicine for pain and fever, but never give aspirin to children or teens.
If you are experiencing severe symptoms including shortness of breath or trouble breathing, excessive vomiting, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, and flu-like symptoms that get better but then return with a fever and worse cough seek immediate medical attention. Children who have fast breathing, skin turning bluish or gray, are not drinking enough fluids, or who are very hard to wake up or not interacting and not wanting to be held should receive medical care.
Simple steps can help prevent you from getting the flu.
To stay healthy, follow the three “C’s”:
- Clean - Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer,
especially after coughing or sneezing.
- Cover – Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve instead of your hands. This can help prevent the spread of illness.
- Contain – Contain your germs by staying home if you are ill. When possible avoid being around people who are sick.
In addition, take care of yourself by eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, exercising and drinking plenty of water.
For more information on the flu visit www.flu.gov www.cdc.gov or call 800-CDC-INFO.
