Flu Update

The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with novel H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.  The high risk groups for novel H1N1 flu are not known at this time, but it’s possible that they may be the same as for seasonal influenza.

People at higher risk of serious complications from seasonal flu include people age 65 years and older, children younger than 5 years old, pregnant women, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and people who are immunosuppressed (e.g., taking immunosuppressive medications, infected with HIV).

Protect Yourself, Your Family, and Community

·         Stay informed. Health officials will provide additional information as it becomes available. Visit the CDC H1N1 Flu website.

·         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 and mouth. Germs spread this way.

·         Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

·         If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick.

·         If you are sick and sharing a common space with other household members in your home, wear a facemask, if available and tolerable, to help prevent spreading the virus to others. For more information, see the Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use.

·         Learn more about how to take care of someone who is ill in "Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home"

·         Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds, and other social distancing measures.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wK1127fHQ4&feature=channel_page

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against novel H1N1 virus.  However, a novel H1N1 vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public in the fall.  We currently have the vaccine to protect against seasonal influenza  and it is strongly recommended that everyone have a flu shot to prevent seasonal flu.  Another injection is recommended when the H1N1 vaccine comes available.

Preserve Health will broadly announce when these vaccines are available.