November 2010: Together in Fighting Flu newsletter
November 2010 - For the latest information on fighting the flu please visit: Delaware's Division of Public Health website
Influenza A (H1N1)
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway.More than 70 countries are now reporting cases of human infection with novel H1N1 flu. This number has been increasing over the past few weeks, but many of the cases reportedly had links to travel or were localized outbreaks without community spread. The WHO designation of a pandemic alert Phase 6 reflects the fact that there are now ongoing community level outbreaks in multiple parts of world.WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus.The Director General of the World Health Organization’s statement can be read at here.
Influenza A (H1N1), is a contagious respiratory disease that affects pigs and sometimes spreads to humans. It is caused by a type-A influenza virus. The current strain is a new variation of an H1N1 virus, which is a mix of human and animal versions. When the flu spreads person-to-person, instead of from animals to humans, it can continue to mutate, making it harder to treat or fight off because people have no natural immunity. The symptoms are similar to the common flu. They include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Flu treatments are more effective when started within two days of the start of symptoms.
Prevention Tips from the
Centers for Disease Control:
1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.
2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of it immediately.
4. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Things You Can Do
(Link to CDC page)
For continued updates on the swine flu and what you can do to protect yourself, please check out the following links:
- H1N1 Vaccine Update from the Department of Public Health
H1N1 flu vaccinations are now widely available to the general public through physicians and pharmacies. Shots are also available through the Division of Public Health by appointment only. Call between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except weekends and state holidays) to schedule. For appointments in New Castle County, call (302) 255-4555 (Hudson State Service Center) or (302) 552-3600 (Northeast State Service Center), in Kent County (302) 857-5130, and in Sussex County (302) 856-5213. After making your appointment(s), print a copy of this Vaccination Consent Form for each person who will be receiving a shot and bring it to your vaccination appointment.
- DHSS Press Release: ELIGIBILITY EXPANDS FOR H1N1 INFLUENZA MASS VACCINATION CLINICS
- CDC has received reports of fraudulent emails (phishing) referencing a CDC sponsored State Vaccination Program. The CDC has NOT implemented a state vaccination program requiring registration on www.cdc.gov. Users that click on the email are at risk of having malicious code installed on their system. For more information go to : http://www.cdc.gov/hoaxes_rumors.html
- Letter from the Food & Drug Administration Commissioner to Nation’s Healthcare Professionals on the H1N1 Vaccine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commission provides information on the safety of H1N1 vaccines.
- H1N1 Flu & You, an informative brochure from the CDC
- What you need to know about the H1N1 vaccine
- Call Line Open: Delaware's Division of Public Health has opened a call line to take questions concerning the swine flu virus.
Delawareans can call (866) 408-1899 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays to find out who should get a flu shot and where the vaccine is available.
Residents with questions on topics other than influenza should call the Delaware Help Line at (800) 464-4357.
- Pandemic Influence – What You Need to Know Today - 2009 H1N1 Influenza
- Public Health seasonal flu clinics schedule/locations for 2009
- Flu.gov’s Delaware page
- The Get Ready campaign, sponsored by the American Public Health Association (APHA), provides information, resources and tools so that all individuals, families and communities in the United States are more prepared for a potential influenza pandemic outbreak of an emerging infectious disease or other hazard or disaster.
- 2008-09 Flu Season Video/Audio Tools
Seasonal Flu Podcasts, Videos, and Public Service Announcements (PSAs) related to Influenza.
- Dr. Thomas Frieden, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), with a message about what individuals can do to control the spread of flu?
- Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use to Reduce Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Transmission
- Center for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
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