H1N1 Virus Update

Dear Friends,

The H1N1 Virus, better known as the Swine Flu, is a new strain of influenza that spreads from person-to-person just as the seasonal flu does, and is expected to be widespread this flu season.  Because this is of great concern in our area, I would like to share with you important information that will help you avoid becoming sick.  Please keep this information handy and share it with others, especially those who are at greatest risk of becoming sick.     

How H1N1 Spreads
H1N1 spreads the same way seasonal flu does: from person-to-person. Mainly by:

• Coughing and sneezing by people with influenza

• Touching infected objects (like doorknobs, telephones, bus rails), then touching your nose or mouth

The virus can live on hard and soft surfaces anywhere from 2 to 8 hours after being touched by an infected person. 2 to 8 hours!

This is why the Pennsylvania Department of Health strongly recommends a series of simple prevention techniques to avoid contracting the H1N1 virus.

How H1N1 is NOT Spread
Although you may have previously heard it referred to as the swine flu, you cannot get infected with H1N1 by eating pork. In fact, the H1N1 virus is not spread by food, nor through your town's drinking water.

H1N1 Influenza Symptoms
H1N1 causes symptoms similar to seasonal flu and can include:

• *Fever over 100°F

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Body aches

• Headache

• Chills

• Fatigue

And in some cases:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

(*) Not everyone with flu will have a fever.

People infected with H1N1 are contagious 1 day before getting sick, and up to 7 days after that. This time period can be even longer in children and people with weakened immune systems.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health cautions anyone with the above symptoms to stay at home (except to get medical care) until at least 24 hours after the fever ends naturally (without the use of fever-reducing medication). Do not attempt to go to school or work. Doing so could spread the virus to those who are otherwise well.

What To Do When You or a Family Member Gets Sick
1.) Stay at home.
This step cannot be stressed enough. Staying at home is one of the best ways to keep H1N1 from spreading. And you must stay at home until at least 24 hours until after your fever ends naturally (without the use of fever-reducing medication). Except to get medical care, stay home during the flu and avoid contact with others.

2.) Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and throw tissues away or sneeze into your sleeve, not your hand.

3.) Drink plenty of clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from being dehydrated.

4.)Get plenty of rest.

5.) Watch for worsening symptoms, which may require emergency care.

How To Protect Yourself
H1N1 is a virus passed (1) through the droplets of sneezes and coughs, and (2) by touching surfaces infected by people with influenza.  Protecting yourself is easier than you think:

1.)Use a tissue to cover your cough and sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze in your sleeve, not your hand.
Covering your cough is key to preventing the spread of the virus. Dispose of the tissue immediately and wash your hands. Coughing or sneezing into your sleeve avoids infecting your hands and keeps germs from spreading to people or surfaces around you.

2.) Keep your hands away from your face and don't touch your mouth, nose or eyes.
Germs on your hands can easily spread to your mouth, nose and eyes when you touch your face.

3.)Wash your hands with soap often (or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer)
Germs can live for up to 8 hours on all the surfaces you touch. Take the time — every time — to wash your hands when you've been in public (that goes for meetings, the supermarket, school, the park...anywhere your hands touch something other hands have touched).  And especially before you eat.

4.) Keep frequently used surfaces clean.

5.) Stay home if you get sick.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you stay home until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, leaving the house only to get medical care. Schools and workplaces are encouraging this policy to avoid infecting other students and employees.

One last tip to prepare for the upcoming flu season: Stock over-the-counter medications, alcohol-based cleaner, tissues and plenty of fluids while you're well to avoid the need for a pharmacy trip in the event you do get sick.

Get the latest information on vaccine sites in your area, community updates or regional outbreaks. 

About the Vaccine 

Who Should Consider Vaccination?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 5 groups of people are considered most vulnerable to complications from the H1N1 virus and should consider getting the vaccination for H1N1 flu when it first becomes available.

The CDC has identified the following groups as priority groups for receiving the vaccination.

• Pregnant women

• Persons six months to 24 years old

• Healthcare providers and EMS personnel

• Parents, household members or caregivers of children under 6 months

• Those under 65 with certain underlying medical conditions

H1N1 Vaccine Locations in PA
Currently, the initial shipments of vaccine have been placed for Pennsylvania providers, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health is working with these private providers to reach certain populations most in need. In the meantime, please contact your healthcare provider or school district (where appropriate) to see if the vaccine has arrived in your area. As larger quantities of vaccine arrive in the commonwealth, the Department of Health will have public vaccination sites as an additional means to receive your vaccination. We will list those sites here and ask you to please check back soon.

For more information on H1N1, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has created a special website, www.H1N1inpa.com. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Health may be reached at 1-877-PA-HEALTH.