November 2009: H1N1 Prevention and Vaccination Update

Prevention To prevent the spread of the flu:  Wash your hands regularly  Using warm water and soap, rub your hands for at least 30 seconds (one round of the ABC’s) before rinsing  If soap and water are not available use a 60% alcohol based hand sanitizer  Cover your cough and sneeze either with a tissue or in the crook of your arm so that you do not transfer germs to your hands  Throw any contaminated tissues in a trash can immediately The following offer excellent examples of additional flu prevention methods:  CDC’s Clean Hands, Save Lives! CDC’s Clean Hands, Save Lives!  NEA HIN’s SchoolTube Site NEA HIN’s SchoolTube Site  Facemask and Respirator Recommendations Facemask and Respirator Recommendations  CDC’s Cover Your Cough CDC’s Cover Your Cough

Vaccinations According to the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), vaccination is the best protection against contracting the flu. Because H1N1 is a new virus, it was not included in the flu vaccine. Therefore, most people should receive two vaccines this flu season: H1N1 flu vaccine Seasonal flu vaccine The CDC urges all individuals to get vaccinated as soon as possible.  Due to limited quantities the CDC has implemented a priority vaccination schedule for those who are in high risk groups for the H1N1 Virus. We will update this information as the process and quantities change.priority vaccination schedule Important information regarding vaccines include:  Flu.gov’s Vaccine locator Flu.gov’s Vaccine locator  Local Health Department Locator Local Health Department Locator  H1N1 Vaccine Priority List H1N1 Vaccine Priority List  Flu.gov’s Vaccine Guidance Flu.gov’s Vaccine Guidance  HIN’s School Located Vaccination Guidance (pdf) HIN’s School Located Vaccination Guidance  Sid the Science Kid Vaccine episode Sid the Science Kid Vaccine episode

If you get sick… If you or someone you know does contract the flu this season, there are a few things the CDC recommends:  Isolate yourself from others until 24 hours after your fever has gone without the use of medication.  If you are in a high risk group, see a healthcare professional and receive an antiviral medication as soon as possible.  Cover your sneeze or cough with a tissue or your clothes sleeve and dispose of used tissues in a trashcan. Additional information on how to handle the flu include:  CDC’s H1N1 Flu and You CDC’s H1N1 Flu and You  CDC’s Taking Care of a Sick Person CDC’s Taking Care of a Sick Person  CDC’s Recommendations for the Use of Antivirals CDC’s Recommendations for the Use of Antivirals