November 2009:

H1N1 Preventionand Vaccination Update

PreventionTo 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!NEA HIN’s SchoolTube SiteFacemask and Respirator RecommendationsCDC’s Cover Your Cough

VaccinationsAccording 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 2008-2009 flu vaccine. Therefore, most people should receive two vaccines this flu season:

1. 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine 2. 2009 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.

Important information regarding vaccines include: Flu.gov’s Vaccine locator Local Health Department Locator H1N1 Vaccine Priority List

Flu.gov’s Vaccine Guidance HIN’s School Located Vaccination

Guidance (pdf) 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 YouCDC’s Taking Care of a Sick PersonCDC’s Recommendations for the Use of Antivirals