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VIEW THE VIDEO of the H1N1 Community Meeting presentation by County Public Health Director / Health Officer Karen Milman, MD MPH on September 24 2009.
What is H1N1 swine flu?H1N1 swine flu is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. It was first detected in people in April 2009 and has been declared a pandemic. Cases have been found throughout the United States, including Nevada County, and internationally.
How does 2009 H1N1 virus spread? Spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something--such as a surface or object--with flu viruses on it and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose.
How can I prevent the spread of H1N1 (swine) flu?Everyone should follow these 4 simple flu prevention tips:
- STAY HOME IF YOU GET SICK and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- 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 CONTACT with sick people whenever possible.
Is there an H1N1 swine flu vaccine? While it is important for everyone to get a
seasonal flu shot, the yearly seasonal flu vaccination will not protect against the H1N1 swine flu virus. There is a separate vaccine for H1N1. It is currently in the manufacturing process; therefore the Nevada County Public Health Department does not have any H1N1 vaccines at this time
. When the vaccine becomes available, clinics will be established to provide the vaccination initially to priority groups designated by the Centers for Disease Control and the California Department of Public Health. These priority groups include:
- Health-care and EMS personnel
- Pregnant women
- Persons who live with or provide care for infants aged <6 months (e.g., parents, siblings, and daycare providers)
- Persons aged 6 months--24 years
- Persons aged 25--64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications
After vaccinating the priority groups listed above, Nevada County Public Health will establish clinics to vaccinate the general public. In addition, private physicians in the area may offer the vaccine to their patients. Ask your doctor if he/she has signed up to offer it.
Seasonal Flu Vs. H1N1 (Swine) FluWHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL CAREDOWNLOAD THIS FILE for advice on identifying seasonal flu and H1N1 flu and whether to seek medical attention.
Does everyone with the flu or H1N1 need to see a health care provider or get tested and treated? Most children and adults with the flu who are generally in good health will recover without needing to visit a health care provider. Some people may want to call their health care provider for advice on how to care for the flu at home
General advice if you think you have the flu or H1N1If you are sick with the flu, you may be ill for a week or longer. Please stay home, except if you need medical care or other necessities, so you can get better and prevent others from getting ill. Drink plenty of fluids and rest as much as possible. Avoid travel.
Do not go to work or school until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. Your fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin), or antiviral medications. Health care workers need to stay home for at least 7 days after symptom onset.
What you should know about H1N1...Helpful Links:- Nevada County Public Health H1N1 Community Meeting
View the slide presentation made by Director of Public Health/Health Officer Karen Milman, MD, MPH, September 24 2009. (This is a 3MB Adobe PDF file; please be patient as it downloads.) OR: use the link near the top of the page to view the video of this presentation.
H1N1 (Swine Flu) in the News:
Nevada County Public Health Warm Line
265-7258
