H1N1 - Prevention and Protection 

 

  

The H1NI novel influenza virus (or swine flu) is in our community, our state and nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 100% of the flu virus moving about at this time is the H1N1 novel flu virus.

 

Persons with flu-like symptoms such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and fever of 100 degrees or greater, even diarrhea or vomiting, likely have the H1N1 virus.

 

According to the CDC, it is expected that most persons will recover from H1N1 infection without needing medical care.

 

Vaccination

A vaccination to protect individuals from the H1N1 novel flu virus is expected this fall. The CDC is recommending that persons who are at higher risk for complications from the flu should seek the vaccine.  These persons are:

0. pregnant women,
0. people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age,
0. health care and emergency services personnel,
0. people ages 6 months through 24 years, and
0. people ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health isorders or compromised immune systems.

The vaccine is likely to be given in two doses. No cost for the vaccine has been set. The H1N1 flu vaccine does not replace the seasonal flu vaccine. It is important for individuals to get the seasonal flu vaccine. The seasonal flu vaccine and H1N1 vaccine can be taken at the same time, if necessary.

What if I become ill with flu?

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, especially fever, it is possible for you to spread the flu virus to those who have close contact with you (for example, someone living with or caring for you). To help prevent spread of the flu virus to others in close contact with you, please follow these guidelines:

 

STAY AT HOME until you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of any fever-reducing medicines.  Anyone of any age who has flu-like illness should avoid public gatherings such as workplaces or schools. Persons who live in places like nursing homes or group homes should only gather in common areas if they are free of these symptoms. Persons who visit nursing homes, schools, church gatherings or other places where people will gather should only attend if they are free of these symptoms.

 

REST AND DRINK PLENTY OF LIQUIDS. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

 

AVOID CLOSE CONTACT WITH OTHERS. Avoid close contact such as kissing, sharing toothbrushes or drinks with people who are not sick. Try to stay in one room, as far away from others as possible. 

 

COVER YOUR MOUTH AND NOSE . Always cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose.

 

WASH YOUR HANDS . Rub your hands with an alcohol-based hand gel or wash them with soap and water right after you sneeze, cough or throw a used tissue in the trash.

 

Persons listed above as at higher risk for complications should call their health care providers if they develop flu-like symptoms.  If you have a medical provider, call him for guidance. Your provider can prescribe anti-viral medications if needed.  Only go to your local hospital if you have no other source of care and you think you are seriously ill.

 

How do you know if you or your children are seriously ill?

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

For tips on prevention and protection at schools, childcare centers, businesses and other places where people gather, visit www.guilfordhealth.org and click on the H1N1 picture.

 

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is reminding the community to use good personal hygiene such as thorough hand washing with warm water and soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizers, covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue or by coughing or sneezing into a bended elbow or sleeve.

 

For more information about H1N1, visit www.guilfordhealth.org , www.ncpublichealth.com or www.cdc.gov

PEC APP 08/09