Health Department > Flu > Press Release 8/27/09

 

Press Release from SuCo. Health Department
& Sumner Regional Medical Center-Infection
Control 8-27-09

H1N1-A New Kind of Flu

H1N1 flu is a respiratory disease caused by a new virus. It spreads easily among humans, especially the young.  No one is immune.  Flu viruses spread through the droplets that come from your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze.  These tiny particles can be inhaled or spread to others from hard surfaces such as door handles, telephones, and remote controls.

   H1N1 flu virus infection can cause a wide range of symptoms including:

  •   Fever greater than 100° F
  •   Cough, sore throat, runny nose
  •   Aches, chills, fatigue
  •   In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting

H1N1 flu symptoms can vary from mild to severe.  Some individuals, including pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, may be at greater risk for developing a severe illness from H1N1 flu.  Pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions should contact their health care provider immediately when they have flu-like symptoms.  Most individuals who are sick with H1N1 flu may be safely cared for at home.

Is the Vaccine for YOU?  Eventually everyone should get the vaccine.  It will be made available to the following federally-identified priority groups.

  • Pregnant women
  • Household contacts and caregivers of infants younger than 6 months of age.
  • All children and young adults ages 6 months through 24 years.
  • Healthcare personnel
  • People aged 25-64 years with high-risk medical conditions.

What to Do to Reduce the Spread of the Flu? 

  •  Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to get rid of most germs and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  •  Stay home when you are sick until you are fever free for 24 hours without the use of medicine to avoid spreading illness to co-workers and friends, including staying home from day care, school, work, church, shopping facilities and any gathering of people when ill.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues
  • Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest and exercise.
  • Notify your healthcare provider as soon as you enter the facility that you have a fever, cough, and/or sore throat.
  • Try not to visit friends, relatives, and patients in the hospital if the person ahs signs or symptoms of the illness.

   For Additional Information, Please Visit: 
  www.srmcks.org or www.co.sumner.ks.us/healthdepartment