H1N1 NEWS AND INFORMATION Date: October 29, 2009 Contacts: Tracy Sheehan Zivkovich, Director, Human Resources (724-852-5200)
and Jeff Marshall, Director, Greene County Emergency Services (724-627-5387)
What Is H1N1?
Novel H1N1 is a new strain of influenza that spreads from person-to-person just as the seasonal flu does, and is expected to be widespread this flu season. H1N1 is a virus passed (1) through the droplets of sneezes and coughs, and (2) by touching surfaces infected by people with influeza.
About The Vaccine
The novel H1N1 vaccine, currently being developed, will be available in single-dose syringes and, in a more limited number, inhaler sprays.
Click here for more on H1N1 Vaccines.
Who Should Consider Vaccination? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 5 groups of people are considered most vulnerable to complications from the H1N1 virus and should consider getting the vaccination for H1N1 flu when it first becomes available.
The CDC has identified the following groups as priority groups for receiving the vaccination:
Pregnant women
Persons six months to 24 years old
Healthcare providers and EMS personnel
Parents, household members or caregivers of children under 6 months
Those under 65 with certain underlying medical conditions
One population typically at risk for seasonal flu, people over 65 years, is not considered vulnerable to complications from H1N1. However, as vaccine supply and demand for vaccine among younger age groups is being met, programs and providers should offer vaccination to people over the age of 65. Click here to read more about who should consider the vaccination.
How to Protect You and Your Family
Some everyday prevention techniques and good hygiene can keep you and your family well this flu season. Protecting yourself is easier than you think:
Use common sense during this flu season with respect to cleanliness. Make a concerted effort to do what you can to help prevent the spread of germs wherever you go.
Wash your hands with soap often (or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer), Germs can live for up to 8 hours on all the surfaces you touch. Take the time — every time — to wash your hands when you've been in public (that goes for meetings, the supermarket, school, the park ... anywhere your hands touch something other hands have touched). And especially before you eat.
Keep frequently used surfaces clean. Use the necessary cleaning supplies.
Use a tissue to cover your cough and sneeze. if you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze in your elbow/sleeve or arm, and not your hand. Covering your cough is key to preventing the spread of the virus. Dispose of the tissue immediately and wash your hands. Coughing or sneezing into your sleeve avoids infecting your hands and keeps germs from spreading to people or surfaces around you.
Keep your hands away from your face and don't touch your mouth, nose or eyes. Germs on your hands can easily spread to your mouth, nose and eyes when you touch your face.
Dispose of your garbage and tissues.
Stay at home if you get sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you stay home until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, leaving the house only to get medical care. Schools and workplaces are encouraging this policy to avoid infecting other students and employees.
Be considerate of others and the potential to transfer germs to their families.
One last tip to prepare for the upcoming flu season: Stock over-the-counter medications, alcohol-based cleaner, tissues and plenty of fluids while you're well to avoid the need for a pharmacy trip in the event you do get sick.
Is it a Common Cold or the Flu?
Know the symptoms, click here for a comparison chart for the common cold and the flu symptoms, as well as suggested treatment and prevention tips. (Chart Source: Univ. of South Florida)
Seasonal Flu Symptoms:
Fever
Coughing and/or sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Headaches and/or body aches
Chills and Fitigue
H1N1 Flu Symptoms -- H1N1 causes symptoms similar to seasonal flu and can include:
Fever (not everyone with flu will have a fever)
Coughing and/or sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Headaches and/or body aches
Chills and Fitigue
In addition to the these, a number of H1N1 flu cases reported vomiting and diarrhea.
People infected with H1N1 are contagious 1 day before getting sick, and up to 7 days after that. This time period can be even longer in children and people with weakened immune systems.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health cautions anyone with the above symptoms to stay at home (except to get medical care) until at least 24 hours after the fever ends naturally (without the use of fever-reducing medication). Do not attempt to go to school or work. Doing so could spread the virus to those who are otherwise well.
What If You Get Sick
If you or a family member gets sick, be consider of others and:
Stay at Home. This step cannot be stressed enough. Staying at home is one of the best ways to keep H1N1 from spreading. And you must stay at home until at least 24 hours until after your fever ends naturally (without the use of fever-reducing medication). Except to get medical care, stay home during the flu and avoid contact with others.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and throw tissues away or sneeze into your sleeve, not your hand.
Drink plenty of clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from being dehydrated.
Get plenty of rest.
Watch for worsening symptoms, which may require emergency care.
Information for Specific Groups Different groups need to prepare for the effects of the H1N1 virus in different ways. Find resources, checklists, policies, management considerations and more for each of these groups in your community.
Learn about the initial H1N1 vaccine distribution plan for Pennsylvania:
For general information, please contact the Information Services at 724-852-5399 / Toll Free: 1-888-852-5399. County Office Building, 93 E. High Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370
