It will take a nationwide response by communities and individuals to fight the H1N1 flu. Presented by Portage County Public Health and Partners WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO FIGHT THE NEW H1N1 FLU

Overview What is H1N1? What can I do? What is taking place to protect my community?

Flu Virus Subtypes for Add picture Week 17 was April 20, 2009

H1N1 Background  H1N1 is a NEW FLU virus as of March  It is important to pay attention to H1N1 because:  People have no natural immunity to the H1N1 virus.  Spreads from person to person very easily and quickly.  It has caused serious sickness and death in otherwise healthy people.  Public health officials are preparing for H1N1 to cause more sickness and death.  It is NOT the same as a seasonal flu virus.

How did this happen? Each year, flu viruses change just enough to cause a “drift” Because they change slightly, humans have some immunity to pieces and parts of these flu viruses. ex: Honda is known for making cars. When a flu virus changes drastically, it is called a “shift” Because this drastic change happens so quickly, most humans have no immunity to any pieces or parts of the new flu virus. ex: Honda’s brand new line of pick-up trucks. Before a few years ago, Honda never made trucks before.

How does H1N1 spread?  H1N1 flu virus spreads the same way as seasonal flu virus:  Through uncovered coughs and sneezes.  By touching infected objects and then touching your eyes, nose and/or mouth. Most flu viruses live on hard surfaces for a few hours.

Seasonal Flu & H1N1 Symptoms Seasonal Flu Symptoms: Fever Headache Tiredness Cough Sore throat Runny nose Muscle aches H1N1 Flu Symptoms: Same as Seasonal flu symptoms and may be more severe. 25% of cases also had stomach illness such as vomiting or diarrhea

Seasonal Flu vs. H1N1 Flu  The very young and the very old tend have severe complications from seasonal flu.  Severe complications from H1N1 Flu:  Pregnant Women  Infants to 24 years  Under 65 with underlying medical conditions: Asthma, diabetes, lung, kidney, heart diseases

Preventing the Spread of Illness Practice the 3 C’s: Clean. Cover. Contain. Clean – Wash hands well and often. Cover – Coughs and sneezes with tissue or arm. Contain – Stay home when you are sick. A normal temperature for 24 hours without medication means that you are well again.

H1N1 Vaccination  CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)  July 29,2009 – decided on target groups should there be less of a supply than needed to vaccinate everyone at once.  Nasal spray and shot available  Ages 9 and under need 2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart. Everyone else needs one dose.  Used under Federal Emergency Use Authorization

H1N1 Vaccine Information  A Vaccine is being made to protect against the H1N1 virus.  Available Mid-October to December.  Certain groups may be asked to get the vaccine as soon as one is available.  If you are in such a group, please get the shot when it’s first available.

H1N1 Flu Shots  Groups that are recommended to received the H1N1 Flu Shot as soon as it’s available:  Pregnant Women  Caretakers of infants <6 months old  All people 6 months to 24 years old  People years old with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, kidney, heart, and/or lung disease.  Anticipating enough vaccine available by December for all people

Is the H1N1 Flu Shot Safe?  People with egg allergies can not get the shot.  Testing the flu shots in healthy people.  No known serious complications.  Same side effects as seasonal flu shot:  Redness and soreness at site  More information please visit:

Community Response to H1N1  Local Portage County Public Health and partners began a formal H1N1 response on April 26,  Confirmed local case on May 5, One of first confirmed cases in Ohio.  Activated an information hotline at the height of local emergency response in April and May.  Monitoring and tracking of influenza-like illnesses is taking place.

Community Response  Working on local website for information.  H1N1 education at Randolph Fair and other community events.  Planning for vaccine distribution efforts and public information for the fall.  Trained EMT’s and volunteer nurses to vaccinate population.

A Special Thanks to Our Local Partners

More H1N1 Information  Portage County Health Department  Ohio Department of Health  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  American Red Cross