H1N1 Flu Prevention
H1N1 (swine flu) is a new strain of the seasonal flu virus. It is a respiratory disease spread from person-to-person. H1N1 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization and efforts are being made to track its progression throughout the country.
Symptoms for the H1N1 virus range from mild to severe. The following are possible signs of infection:
- Fever
- Coughing/ sore throat
- Runny/ stuffy nose
- Headaches/ body aches
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Reported in some cases: Vomiting and Diarrhea
The seasonal flu features many of the same symptoms, but they are likely to be less severe.
A vaccine for the H1N1 virus is scheduled for use starting in October. The primary groups encouraged to receive this vaccination are:
- Individuals 6 months to 24 years old
- Individuals that are around children under 6 months of age
- Pregnant women
- Health care providers and emergency personnel
Taking preventative measures this flu season will decrease your chance of contracting the H1N1 virus or the seasonal flu. Please remember to wash your hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cough into your sleeve or upper arm, schedule a seasonal flu shot, and stay home from work or school if you are sick.
Please dial 2-1-1 for additional flu shot information.
Please refer to the following Web sites for more information on the H1N1 virus:
www.flu.gov
www.starkhealth.org
www.redcross.org
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