Flu & Flu Shots

Influenza Guidance for 2009-2010

Influenza viruses causing both seasonal and the novel H1N1 (swine) flu are already circulating in the community. In light of this, we want to provide this basic background information about influenza so that you can be better prepared. It's important that everyone be aware that all information to date indicates that H1N1 influenza is no more serious an illness than seasonal influenza.

Prevention is Key

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based (60-95%) hand cleaner (such as Purell).
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Try not to touch your eyes or nose. Wash hands before and after touching your face.
It is OK to continue to go to go to work or school if you are not sick.
Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, but not with your hands! Cough into your sleeve, shoulder or elbow. Even a bare arm is better than your hands.
If you use a tissue, throw the tissue away immediately after you use it and wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand cleaner.
GET A FLU SHOT WHEN AVAILABLE.
Because there are two different flu shots this year (seasonal & H1N1), it is very important that people who qualify for both vaccines make sure to get BOTH vaccines.

Which flu vaccine is right for you?

Risk Factor	Seasonal Influenza Vaccine	H1N1 Vaccine
Pregnancy	X	X
Household Contacts / Caregivers for Children Under 6 Months of Age	X	X
Healthcare & Emergency Medical Personnel	X	X
Children Younger Than 6 Months
People Aged 6 Months to 24 Years Old	X	X
People Aged 25 to 64 With Chronic Health Conditions *	X	X
Adults 65 Years of Age & Older	X	X
Residents of Nursing Homes & Other Chronic-Care Facilities	X	X

* Chronic Health Conditions include chronic lung (including asthma), heart, kidney, liver or blood disorders, metabolic disorders (including diabetes), and impaired immune systems (including those caused by medications or HIV/AIDS).

Common flu symptoms (see Home Care notes):

Fever over 100°F (38°C)
Chills
Headache
Cough
Sore throat
Runny nose
Muscle and/or joint aches
Fatigue
Vomiting and/or diarrhea (possible but less common)

Influenza or "the flu" is characterized by the abrupt onset of fever, headache, sore throat, cough and muscle aches. Unlike other respiratory illnesses, the flu is associated with a striking sense of unwellness accompanied by a loss of appetite and weakness lasting several days.

Worrisome flu symptoms (seek medical care as soon as possible):

Fever over 102°F (39°C) that does not come down below 100°F (38°C) with fever reducing medicine
Severe headache
Stiff neck - unable to touch your chin to your chest
Severe cough not helped by cough medicine
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Rash
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Vomiting that prevents keeping down liquids
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
People with high risk medical or chronic health conditions should seek immediate medical care if they have ANY symptoms of the flu.

Home care if you get the flu:

Stay at home, avoiding work, school, and social gatherings until the fever has been below 100°F (38°C) for 24 hours (without needing fever-reducing medicine to keep the temperature down).
Get plenty of rest.
Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Drink at least 2 quarts each day of liquids such as non-diet 7-UP, Sprite, ginger ale, broth, tea with sugar (yes, soda pop is OK with a cold or flu).
For runny nose and stuffy nose, try an over the counter decongestant.
For cough, try an over the counter cough syrup.
To reduce fever, take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed on the bottle. Avoid aspirin.
For vomiting, don't eat or drink anything until you have not vomited for 4 hours, then sip on liquids (see above - avoid plain water as it can make vomiting worse) for 24 hours. If no further vomiting, begin eating mild foods like crackers, toast, mashed potatoes, rice, or apple sauce for 24 hours. Then resume your regular diet.
If you have to go out, wear a surgical mask or try to stay at least six feet from other people.
If your symptoms get worse, seek medical care. Consider phoning your medical provider ahead so that you won’t expose others to your illness. They can help by giving you a mask to wear or by having you wait in a separate area to avoid making others sick.

Items to have on hand for medical, health and emergency supplies in case you want to stay home due to illness or avoid exposure to illness in the public:

Prescription medications: Try to always keep at least 2 week supply on hand. Rotate what you have stored so that the reserve you have on hand is always fresh.
Soap & water, and alcohol-based (60-95%) hand sanitizers (Keep a small container with you or in your car.)
Thermometer
Anti-diarrheal and fever reducing medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Cough syrup and decongestant (If you are unsure what medication to take, consult your pharmacist or care provider.)
Water and fruit juices (the flu virus causes dehydration)
Crackers and peanut butter
Easily digested foods like clear broth, chicken noodle soup, apple sauce
Non-perishable foods like cereal, cereal bars, dried fruits etc.
Tissues, toilet paper and such

If you have further questions, please refer to http://www.flu.oregon.gov or http://pandemicflu.gov/index.html.

Contact your health care provider or North Central Public Health District at (541) 506-2600 for seasonal or H1N1 vaccine availability. You can also call 1-800-SAFENET for information.

Clinic Schedule

H1N1 Vaccine Available on Demand

North Central Public Health District is now providing H1N1 vaccine at the office’s clinic in The Dalles. Vaccine is available to all, free of charge, on a walk in basis. Parents are reminded that children age 9 and under who still need their second vaccines can now take advantage of this opportunity.

North Central Public Health District Clinic Information

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed for Lunch: Noon to 1:00 PM)

Location: 419 East 7th Street, The Dalles, OR

Phone: (541) 506-2600

H1N1 vaccine also is available through some local clinics and pharmacies. Please contact your provider to discuss availability. Remember: Protect yourself and those youcare for, get the vaccine, not the flu.

Questions? Call the Oregon State H1N1 Hotline at 1 (800) 978-3040 or visit www.flu.oregon.gov.