H1N1 Information

UPDATE:  1/13/2010

Who should get the vaccine?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends initial vaccination for people with the most risk for flu-related complication. The people most at risk are:

• pregnant women, 
• caretakers of infants less than 6 months old, 
• children and teens over 6 months old, 
• young adults 10-24, and 
• people with chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, asthma or cancer.

In addition to these groups, the CDC now recommends that the vaccine be made available to anyone who wants to receive it.

Why get the vaccine?
To stay healthy and keep others from getting sick. H1N1 flu spreads quickly. Healthy teens and young adults are hit unusually hard compared to the seasonal flu. People who get vaccinated are much less likely to get sick. The peak of the flu season is not yet over.

4 ways to help protect against the H1N1 Flu:

1. Get the H1N1 vaccine
2. Stay home when you are sick
3. Wash your hands often
4. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your upper sleeve when you cough or sneeze, to protect others.

The Osceola County Health Department encourages the following healthy habits for everyone:

• Cover your nose or 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 sanitizers are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are spread that way.
• Stay away from work or school if you are sick.
• Contact your doctor if you have fever and flu symptoms.

For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control’s website at: www.cdc.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO. You can also visit our website at www.osceolahealth.org. 

For up-to-date information about H1N1 Swine Flu visit http://www.myflusafety.com  or call 877 352 3581.

H1N1 Swine Flu is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of H1N1 Swine Flu was underway.

There are currently H1N1 Swine Flu cases circulating in Florida. In late June and early July over 90% of the specimens tested for influenza at the Bureau of Laboratories have been positive for H1N1 (Swine) Influenza. At this point in time it can be assumed that a person with influenza-like illness has the H1N1 strain, without conducting laboratory testing.

The State Surgeon General provided these recommendations:

People with respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community.

• Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.
• People experiencing cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their physician.
• If you think you have influenza, please call your health care provider and discuss whether you need to be seen in their office, emergency department or stay home.

The Florida Department of Health has launched a toll-free number to provide public health information and updates on H1N1 Swine flu. The information line will be available from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern, 7 days a week. Information is available in English, Spanish and Creole. The number to call is 877-352-3581.

The main route of transmission of the new influenza A(H1N1) virus seems to be similar to seasonal influenza, via droplets that are expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing. You can prevent getting infected by avoiding close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms (trying to maintain a distance of about 1 yard if possible) and taking the following measures:

• avoid touching your mouth and nose;
• clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated);
• avoid close contact with people who might be ill;
• reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible;
• improve airflow in your living space by opening windows;
• practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.

If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore throat:

• stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds;
• rest and take plenty of fluids;
• cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing and, if using tissues, make sure you dispose of them carefully. Clean your hands immediately after with soap and water or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub;
• if you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as possible with the crook of your elbow;
• use a mask to help you contain the spread of droplets when you are around others, but be sure to do so correctly;
• inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with other people;
• If possible, contact a health professional before traveling to a health facility to discuss whether a medical examination is necessary.

Whether you have influenza A(H1N1) or a seasonal influenza, you should stay home and away from work through the duration of your symptoms. This is a precaution that can protect your work colleagues and others.

For more information, please click on one of the links below:

• Osceola County Health Department - H1N1 Swine Flu Information - Local
• Florida Department of Health - State
• Flu.gov - National
• World Health Organization (WHO) - World