H1N1 Influenza A Information & Recommendations
>>Influenza "Flu" Season Home Page
>>H1N1 Vaccine Updates and Information
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The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, first identigied in this country in late April 2009 continures to cause illness, hopitalizations and some deaths in adults and children throughout our nation. While the virus has caused mostly mild illness and most are able to recover at home, there have been hospitalizations and deaths in adults and children. See current recommendations |
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>> Jefferson County H1N1 scheduled clinics.
The public is urged to check the www.immunizecolorado.com/findAFluClinic.asp for information on Seasonal and H1N1 vaccination clinics.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of novel H1N1 influenza A in people
are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu in humans and may include:
- Fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C)
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Stuffy nose
- Chills
- Headache and body aches
- Fatigue
Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 influenza may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
CDC continues to issue and update interim guidance in response to the rapidly evolving situation.
Current Public Health Recommendations:
- People should continue to take precautions against influenza, both seasonal and H1N1: Get vaccinated when vaccine becomes available to you; wash hands frequently; cover your cough and stay home if ill.
- Nationwide, this flu continues to behave like a relatively mild seasonal flu with a few cases of more severe illness. People should take advice about precautions seriously, but not have undue alarm.
- People who experience influenza symptoms should stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone. Fever should be absent without the use of fever-reducing medicine.) A fever is defined as 100 degrees F or 37.8 degrees C.
To protect yourself and your family from novel H1N1 flu:
- Avoid contact with ill persons.
- When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (if you do not have a tissue). Throw used tissues in a trash can.
- After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel, use a fairly large amount (like a tablespoon)
- If you think you are ill with flu, avoid close contact with others as much as possible. Stay at home or in your hotel room. Seek medical care if you are severely ill (such as having trouble breathing). Do not go to work, school, or travel while ill.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from people who are coughing or sneezing whenever possible.
Important:
- Vaccine for this new virus is now available in limited supplies. Jefferson County is distributing its vaccine to healthcare providers in the county who preregistered to administer vaccine. As more vaccine becomes available, school located clinics will be held for those in the top priority groups for recieving vaccine. Please see current scheduled clinics. Everyone should plan on getting vaccinated against seasonal flu and H1N1 when it becomes available to you. Once more vaccine is available, larger priority groups will be able to receive vaccine, including:
- pregnant women
- people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
- healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
- persons between the age of 6 months through 24 years of age and
- people from ages 25 through 64 who are at high risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or who are compromised.
- Persons with milder influenza-like illness who are not at higher risk for influenza complications should be encouraged to stay at home and not seek testing or prescription of antiviral medication. CDC Home Care Guidelines
- CDPHE and Jefferson County Public Health strongly discourages healthcare providers from prescribing and the public from requesting influenza antiviral medications for private stockpiling purposes.
Contagious Period
Persons with swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection should be considered potentially infectious from one day before getting sick to 5-7 days after symptoms start. Persons who continue to be ill longer than 7 days should be considered potentially contagious until symptoms have resolved. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
Non-hospitalized ill persons who are a confirmed or suspected case of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection are recommended to stay at home (voluntary isolation) for at least 24 hours after fever is gone. Fever should be absent without the use of fever-reducing medicine.) A fever is defined as 100 degrees F or 37.8 degrees C.
If you are pregnant or have a health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or emphysema, checking with your health care provider about any special care you might need.
Assess Your Flu Symtoms - Free Online Tool
If you are another agency and would like to use our H1N1 specific handouts for your purposes, please contact the Health Communications Department at 303-239-7137 or 303-239-7048.
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Last Modified: Jan 21, 2010 09:18 AM
