TULARE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH H1N1 FLU UPDATE – 10.23.09

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2009

Contact: Allison M. Lambert, Media Specialist
559.737.4660 Ext. 2607

TULARE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH H1N1 FLU UPDATE – 10.23.09

VISALIA – H1N1 influenza continues to cause illnesses in Tulare County, which have predominantly been mild. There have been hospitalized individuals with H1N1 and a third of those hospitalized have been pregnant women, while a fourth of the individuals hospitalized have been children. Regretfully however, there has been a death of a Tulare County resident with H1N1 influenza, who also had significant preexisting health conditions.

The initial supplies of H1N1 vaccine in the form of live virus nasal spray vaccine have been received in Tulare County, and these initial supplies of vaccine are directed to children without chronic conditions between ages two to nine, and caregivers of infants under six months. Individuals should contact their health care providers about the availability of vaccine. More vaccine is expected to be available in the next several weeks and will be available for those who are six mo. to 24 years of age, those with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women and health care workers.

Tulare County Department of Public Health has provided guidance documents for citizens to utilize in regards to H1N1 Flu. Residents are encouraged to prepare themselves by having these documents in their home, work, or community facility. The H1N1 materials can be accessed by visiting www.tularehhsa.org, www.tulare.co.us, or by calling the Tulare County Department of Public Health at 559-737-4660.

Symptoms of H1N1 Influenza include fever over 100°, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, vomiting and diarrhea. Most people with pandemic H1N1 influenza have symptoms of similar severity as the seasonal influenza and are better in four to five days. People with chronic health conditions, children under five, adults 65 or older, or women who are pregnant are at risk for more severe illness and should contact their doctor at the first sign of influenza to talk about treatment. H1N1 lab testing is being reserved for hospitalized patients.

Individuals can stay healthy by frequent hand washing, use of antiseptic gels, avoiding touching their nose, eyes, and mouth, and covering their cough and sneeze. If you are ill, stay home from school, work, or social activities until you have been without fever for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication.

For more information, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) hotline is 1-888-865-0564. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information can be accessed at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu, or the Health & Human Services Agency at www.flu.gov.

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Media Contact:
Allison M. Lambert, Media Specialist
Health & Human Services Agency
559.737.4660 x2607