TULARE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH H1N1 FLU UPDATE – 10.8.09

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2009

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

TULARE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH H1N1 FLU UPDATE – 10.8.09

H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Guidance Chart and Home Care Guide for H1N1 Flu Released

VISALIA –Tulare County Department of Public Health has released two documents for citizens to utilize in regards to H1N1 Flu. Free to use, the “H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Guidance Chart” and the “Home Care Guide for H1N1 Flu” are currently available. Residents are encouraged to prepare themselves by having these documents in their home, work, or community facility. The Guidance Chart and the Home Care pamphlet 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.

The initial supply of vaccine is live virus nasal spray vaccine and is arriving this week to the Tulare County Department of Public Health and to private offices and clinics in the county. This initial supply of vaccine is directed to children without chronic conditions between ages 2-10 and caregivers of infants under 6 months. Parents 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 in any of the high risk groups. The pandemic H1N1 vaccine is produced through the same process that seasonal vaccine is produced and is considered safe and valuable tool to prevent the pandemic H1N1 in those at high risk.

Tulare County Health Officials remind citizens that continued awareness, and vigilance following proper hygiene practices is the best action at this time.

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.

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