H1N1 Flu Update
November 16, 2009
The H1N1 flu continues to hit Cuyahoga County and Tri-C, but may be showing signs of decreasing, according to health experts. In the past six weeks, the Cuyahoga County Board of Health has documented a continuous rise in visits to doctor offices, school absenteeism and hospital room Emergency Room visits, as a result of influenza-like illness. However, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and most local school districts have reported that incidences of flu-like illnesses have decreased over the past two weeks.
At Tri-C, employee absences are 21 percent above what was reported in 2007 and 2008 for the pay period ending November 1, according to the college’s human resources department. For additional college updates on H1N1, please visit the new My Tri-C Space update page: https://portal.tri-c.edu/flu/default.htm.
The Board of Health has stated that experts expect the flu to peak over next couple of weeks, then gradually decrease. Additional shipments of H1N1 flu vaccines have been shipped to the State of Ohio in the past week and were administered over the weekend at five clinics throughout the county.
For information on additional H1N1 vaccines, and to pre-register, please visit:
http://www.ccbh.net/ccbh/opencms/CCBH/modules/healthTips/0036.html
Healthcare experts throughout the county continue to urge common sense prevention tips to help prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus. The College continues to follow all of the guidelines recommended by the county and the CDC, including a review of general cleaning guidelines, which have been found to be adequate, and urging employees and students to continue to practice good health habits.
FAQ
What can you do?
What are the symptoms for H1N1 flu?
Should I get a seasonal flu shot?
So, why get the seasonal vaccine?
What can you do?
Learn the facts.
Tri-C will issue an updated report on the status of H1N1 as needed. You can also visit www.CDC.gov for the latest information.
Practice prevention.
Personal steps to prevent spread of germs is still the most effective strategy for protecting yourself and others.
- Take time to get vaccinated for seasonal flu.
- Take everyday preventive actions.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you have flu like illness stay home , except to seek medical care, at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
- Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.
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What are the symptoms for H1N1 flu?
The symptoms are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu and include:
- fever greater than 100 degrees
- cough
- sore throat
- body aches
- headache
- chills and fatigue
- respiratory congestion
Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with this virus. Like seasonal flu, the H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions and greater risk of severe illness in those with compromised immune systems. The target age population most at risk are children and young adults.
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Should I get a seasonal flu shot?
Seasonal flu vaccine is the vaccine offered every year in the fall. It covers you against three common types of influenza. These types are chosen each year as the ones most likely to infect our community during the flu season (December to March). This vaccine does not give protection against H1N1 flu. Since H1N1 is a "novel" or new virus, it could not be included in the Seasonal vaccine.
So, why get the seasonal vaccine?
With H1N1 influenza going around, it is important to be immune to the more common types of influenza for two reasons:
- Not knowing how much H1N1 flu may be here in the winter months, it will help all of us if we can keep seasonal flu illness low.
- Influenza virus is very good at changing into new forms. It is possible that H1N1 could combine with one of the seasonal types and become more dangerous. That combination could occur if a person is sick with H1N1 and a seasonal type at the same time.
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