H1N1 (SWINE) FLU: It's Not Flu As Usual

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Influenza

(the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It spreads from person-to-person and can cause mild to severe illness. In the United States, yearly outbreaks of seasonal flu usually happen during the fall through early spring. Flu viruses are constantly changing. The Swine Flu (H1N1) has caused a worldwide outbreak and declared a global flu pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The best way to prevent the flu is by getting flu vaccinations each year and by washing your hands.

• Vaccinations Schedule & Info                                   
• Preventative Measures
• Guidelines for Exposure
• Resources & Web Links

Vaccinations Schedule & Info

• H1N1 flu vaccines: Please check with your primary care physician and Public Health Department at 558-7700 for flu vaccine information.

Preventative Measures

Basic Hand washing: Many of these recommendations are no different than routine good infection control and are valuable for preventing illness for the yearly seasonal influenza, which can also cause serious illness.

Guidelines to decrease spread of Seasonal Flu and Swine Flu viruses:

• Wash hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes (cough or sneeze into an arm or shoulder or into a tissue).
• (see "Why don't we do it in our Sleeves")
• Keep your distance from people who are coughing.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as eating/drinking utensils, toothbrushes, and towels, especially with ill persons.
• Eat well, get plenty of rest, be active, and don't smoke.
  
  
  
  

Guidelines for Exposure

If you have had very close contact (for example lives in the same household or work in the same office space) with a person with active influenza symptoms, you should:  

• Talk to your health care provider about whether to take antiviral medication for influenza.
• Watch carefully for symptoms of cough, sore throat, or runny nose.
• Stay home if fever and cough, runny nose, or sore throat develops to avoid infecting others; go home immediately if influenza-like symptoms occur at work or school.
• Seek early medical attention if you have a chronic health condition that puts you at risk for the complications of influenza. Seek medical care for severe respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing or for dehydration from vomiting and/or diarrhea.
• If you have influenza, stay home at least 24 hours after being fever-free without fever-reducing medications. Do not go to work or school with a fever.
  
  
  
  

Resources & Web Links

For more information consult your healthcare provider, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Take a look at one of the newest Pandemic Prevention Videos. This ten minute video was written for students in order to offer some facts about pandemic flu and tips for prevention.

The Stanislaus County Department of Public Health has just produced a community education video on the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus. The 17-minute video covers the basics of this flu virus and includes interviews with the county health officials, community physician experts, the county superintendent of schools, and a third-trimester pregnant woman considering the H1N1 vaccine.