H1N1 (SWINE FLU) AND SEASONAL FLU INFORMATION

What Everyone Should Know About Novel H1N1 (Swine Flu) and Seasonal Flu

VANCOUVER, Wash. — April 09, 2010 — Novel H1N1 (Swine Flu) information from Family Wellness Center. Download 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine PDF

Family Wellness Center still has injectable H1N1 and Seasonal flu shots available for our established patients. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends to get vaccinated if you haven't had your seasonal flu shot or H1N1 (swine flu) shot in fall/winter 2009-2010. H1N1 or seasonal flu may continue the outbreak through spring and summer of 2010 or early fall 2010 before the 2010-2011 flu vaccine becomes available. Although the 2010-2011 seasonal flu vaccine will protect against H1N1, we do not know yet when it will be available.

Please note: we are currently out of NASAL H1N1 and NASAL SEASONAL FLU MIST at this time.

If you are an established patient at Family Wellness Center and have any questions or need to schedule an appointment with a nurse for vaccination, please call our office at (360) 260-2773.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT H1N1 VIRUS AND SEASONAL FLU:

Signs and Symptoms of H1N1 Flu:

The signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to those of seasonal flu. They include:
Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Headache
Chills
Runny or stuffy nose
Body aches
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Fatigue
In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 flu. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 may cause a worsening of chronic medical conditions.

Seasonal Flu Shot:

Getting your seasonal flu shot is especially important for adults over age 65, the most susceptible to complications from common flu strains.

Self-Care for H1N1 Flu:

* Check with your healthcare provider about any special care or antiviral medications you may need.
* Stay home until at least 24 hours after you are free of fever (100 degrees F) or signs of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.* If you get sick while traveling, stay in your hotel room.
* Limit contact with others.
* If you must leave home for medical care, wear a surgical mask.
* Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you have no tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve. Put used tissues into the trash.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
* Drink plenty of clear fluids.
* Get increased rest and sleep.
*If returning to a place where many high-risk people may be exposed, a longer exclusion period may be needed. See www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm.

When To Seek Immediate Medical Care--

Emergency warning signs for CHILDREN:
Fast breathing or difficulty breathing
Bluish or gray skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Severe or persistent vomiting
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Emergency Warning signs for ADULTS:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Help Protect Yourself and Others from H1N1 Flu:

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand sanitizers also are effective.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Keep kitchens, bathrooms and toys clean.
Do not share items for drinking or eating.
Avoid crowds during the peak flu season (December to March)
Drink plenty of water
Get enough sleep, exercise and nutritious foods daily.
Keep stress under control

There are two types of H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine: the nasal flu for healthy patients (no chronic conditions, COPD, asthma) 2 to 49 years old and injectable swine flu vaccine. Children under 10 years old may need two swine flu or swine nasal flu vaccines. Please call our office if you need to find out if your child will need more than one or talk to your child's provider.

FAQs About H1N1 (Swine Flu):

What is it?
H1N1 (referred to as swine flu) is a new influenza (flu) virus. It was first detected in the people in the United States in April 2009. Despite its name, swine flu is not transmitted by food, including pork.

How serious is it?
Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu in humans can vary from mild to severe, with some cases leading to death.

Are there medications to treat H1N1 flu?
Antiviral prescription drugs begun within 2 days of first flu symptoms may help make the illness milder and sufferers feel better faster. These medicines also may help prevent serious flu complications.

How does the H1N1 virus spread?
It is thought to spread like seasonal flu, mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. People may also be come infected by touching something that has the H1N1 flu virus on it and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. The virus can survive on surfaces and infect people for up to 8 hours.

For how long is someone contagious?
People who have the H1N1 flu may be able to infect others starting 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. Children, especially younger children, might be contagious for longer periods.

Who can get nasal H1N1 vaccine?
The NASAL FLU IMMUNIZATION is for patients age 2 yrs old to 49 years old who do not have any chronic conditions or asthma. Please check with your provider if you or your child can get NASAL FLU immunization. It can be billed to your insurance if you have immunization coverage.

Does a recalled H1N1 vaccine affect me?
There have been recalls for pre-filled 0.25 ml. syringes of H1N1 and nasal H1N1. Our clinic has never received this formulation or any of the lots that have been recalled. If you were vaccinated at Family Wellness Center during 2009-2010 flu season, the recall doesn't affect you.

Does my child need more than one dose of H1N1 vaccine?
Children under 10 years old may need two swine flu or swine nasal flu vaccines. Please call our office if you need to find out if your child will need more than one or talk to your child's provider.

For More Information:
- Copy & paste the regional swine flu web site through our local health department: www.flunewsswwashington.org
- Copy & paste the government website into your web browser: www.flu.gov.
- Call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Hotline at 1-800-232-4636.
- Copy and paste the Clark County website: www.clark.wa.gov/h1n1/clarkcounty.html (this is the local health department page for information on immunizations).
- Novel H1N1 (Swine Flu) information from Family Wellness Center. Download 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine PDF

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