The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu are being reported in all 50 states. The H1N1 is highly contagious, however, the virus is NOT showing any changes and continues to be mild to moderate. As a reminder, a diagnosis of H1N1 must be confirmed with a laboratory test; symptoms alone are not a reliable identification of this virus. Again, it is important to remember to keep this situation in perspective; the H1N1 can be spread fairly rapidly, but it is not considered as severe as the seasonal flu.
In order to prevent the spread of the seasonal and H1N1 influenza, the Illinois Department of Public Health recommend the following:
-
Get Vaccinated: Because the seasonal flu and the H1N1 come from different strains of the flu virus, you must protect yourself with vaccinations for both. The seasonal flu shot is now available in numerous retail establishments, such as Walgreen's, Jewel, etc. The first round of H1N1 vaccination doses are anticipated to be ready for distribution around the first week of October. It is recommended that individuals wait two weeks between vaccinations.
- Cover, Clean, and Contain: Wash your hands before and after meals, use anti-bacterial hand wash liberally, cover your mouth when you cough.
- Stay Home If You Are Sick
Symptoms:
Fever (Over 100 degrees F), cough, body aches, headache, chills, extreme exhaustion, nausea.
People with symptoms of flu-like illness should stay home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever. Most people recover in 1-2 weeks with rest and fluids, but some people may develop more serious complications such as pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections. The flu can worsen chronic medical conditions such as asthma, congestive heart failure or diabetes.
People At Risk:
- Health Care Workers
- People 50 and Older
- Pregnant Women
- Children (6 months to 18 years old)
- Persons With Chronic Medical Conditions
The H1N1 has mostly sickened people younger than 25 years old. Scientists surmise that individuals older than 25 have built up some immunity to the H1N1 due to prior exposure to a similar strain of flu that spread in the 1970's and early 1980's.
For additional information on H1N1 and the seasonal flu, check out www.idph.state.il.us and www.flu.gov.
