January 13, 2010
Influenza-like illness continues to be widespread in Onondaga County, and significant activity has been documented in several Onondaga County schools. The Health Department anticipates that the level of influenza-like illness in the community will continue for several weeks.
About Novel H1N1
Novel H1N1 flu (swine flu) is a new virus that is transmitted by person-to-person contact. H1N1 causes similar illness as seasonal flu. Most individuals with flu-like illness probably have H1N1, not seasonal flu. Therefore, we are no longer reporting the number of new H1N1 cases, and testing is being done on a limited basis for tracking purposes only.
How can I protect myself and others?
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. Wash especially
after you cough or sneeze. You can also use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Be sure that you cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away. If you do not have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your elbow.
• Stay away from people who have symptoms of the flu until they are no longer sick.
• If you are sick and have symptoms of the flu, stay home from school, work, and areas where a lot of people gather. Do NOT go to the emergency room or urgent care facility for mild illness. CALL your doctor if you have severe symptoms.
Get medical attention right away if you:
• Have difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Have purple or blue discoloration of your lips
• Are vomiting and unable to keep liquids down, or
• Show signs of dehydration, such as feeling dizzy when standing or being unable to urinate
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can receive the H1N1 vaccine?
The New York State Department of Health has lifted the restrictions on vaccine distribution, so anyone over the age of 6 months is now eligible to get vaccinated. In Onondaga County many individuals who are at high risk for complications have not yet been vaccinated. Therefore, we encourage anyone who is in a “priority group” as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to get vaccinated. These are the priority groups that had been previously identified by the CDC for H1N1 vaccine:
• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
• Health care and emergency medical services workers
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
• People aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of serious illness and medical complications from the flu.
Isn’t it too late to get vaccinated against H1N1?
No, it is not too late. Getting the vaccine as late as January and February can still protect you from flu. The H1N1 flu season is far from over. H1N1 flu activity is still widespread in New York State. Typically, the most flu activity occurs from January through March, and the flu season runs until May. Getting vaccinated now will provide protection for you against H1N1 flu for the rest of the season this winter and spring.
Where can I get the H1N1 vaccine for myself and my family?
The vaccine is available from many health care providers, community health centers, and now pharmacies. Check www.flu.gov to see if any vaccine clinics are scheduled at retail outlets near you. Check this website frequently for information on additional scheduled clinics.
Will my child need a second dose of H1N1 vaccine?
Children through nine years of age (under 10 years) should get two doses of H1N1 vaccine about four weeks apart. Older children and adults need only one dose. Parents should call their child's primary care provider for the second dose.
My child recently experienced flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, aches, stuffy and runny nose) however was not tested for H1N1. Is it still recommended that my child get the H1N1 vaccine?
Yes, even if your child had flu-like symptoms, it is recommended that he/she get vaccinated against H1N1 unless influenza was confirmed. Because flu-like symptoms can be caused by many things other than H1N1, it important to still get your child vaccinated. Even if your child did have H1N1, it would not harm your child to get the vaccine.
Is the Novel H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine safe?
The H1N1 vaccine will not make you sick, but the flu will. Like the seasonal flu vaccine, the H1N1 vaccine has a very good safety record. Most people who receive the H1N1 flu don’t experience any symptoms afterwards; some feel a temporary mild soreness in the arm. The nasal spray vaccine is also safe, effective, and easy to use.
Where do pregnant women get the H1N1 vaccine?
Pregnant women are advised to contact their health care provider about getting the H1N1 vaccine.
How much does the H1N1 shot cost?
There is no charge for this shot although an administrative fee may be charged to insurance companies.
NEW! The New York State Department of Health now has a hotline to answer questions from the public and the medical community about H1N1 disease, vaccines, how to obtain vaccine, and the new regulations requiring flu vaccination in certain health care facilities. The hotline can be reached 24 hours per day by calling 1-800-808-1987 or call the Onondaga County Health Department at (315) 435-3280, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
General H1N1 Information
Click here to see a list of Onondaga County Health Department press releases.
FREE printable resources from the CDC: Search by audience or topic
Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)
Spanish Checklist: Preparación Para Empresas en Una Pandemia de Gripe (pdf)
Businesses
Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)
How to Prepare for Pandemic Flu (pdf)
Child Care Centers
Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)
How to Prepare for Pandemic Flu (pdf)
Community and Faith-Based Organizations
H1N1: A Guide for Community and Faith-Based Organizations
Schools
Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)
How to Prepare for Pandemic Flu (pdf)
Higher Education Institutions
Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)
How to Prepare for Pandemic Flu (pdf)
Individuals and Families
Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)
How Can I Protect Myself and My Family? (pdf)
¿Cómo puedo protegerme y proteger a mi familia? (pdf)
How to Prepare for Pandemic Flu (pdf)
Cancer Patients and Survivors
What Cancer Patients and Survivors Should Know About the Flu
(CDC)
Pregnant Women
Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)
For more information please visit:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
World Health Organization
New York State Department of Health
Onondaga County Pandemic Flu Community Planning Guide
Para información adicional:
CDC: H1N1 en Espanol
Flu.gov en Espanol |
