H1N1 Flu Update
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Ohio Department of Health have changed the process in which H1N1 flu is reported. Individual cases of H1N1 flu will no longer be reported. Instead, public health surveillance for this virus will now be identical to that done for seasonal influenza viruses. This system will still allow health officials to determine when and where flu activity is occurring, track flu-related illness, determine what flu viruses are circulating, detect changes in flu viruses and measure the impact of flu on hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S.
Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Board of Health continue heightened surveillance as a result of the H1N1 flu outbreak. Both health departments are collaborating with the Ohio Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Ohio Department of Health Surveillance Information
CDC Surveillance Information (Q&A)
Symptoms
The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people to date are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza, which includes high fever, muscle aches, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Public health officials offer the following prevention recommendations:
- Stay informed
- Cover your cough by using your sleeve or arm. You may also cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the tissue in the trash.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
If you get sick, we recommend you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
A vaccine is being developed for the H1N1 flu. We expect to receive vaccine sometime this fall and will post clinic times here once those are finalized.
Click HERE for the CDC recommendations on who should get the H1N1 vaccine. Note: You are encouraged to get your seasonal flu vaccination as soon as it is available. H1N1 vaccinations will be given seperately and you will need both to be protected from seasonal and H1N1 flu.
For additional national and international information about national and international H1N1 flu, go to: www.CDC.gov/h1n1flu for the latest in information from around the U.S. and the world.
Resources
Guidelines and FAQs for Franklin County School Nurses 10.07.09
Healthcare Providers click HERE for more information.
Central Ohio Pandemic Flu web site
Visit the Central Ohio Pandemic Flu web site to understand and plan for pandemic influenza. The most up-to-date information and guidance is available, as well as, planning tools. Click HERE.
Click HERE to download a document from the Columbus-Franklin County School Nurses Meeting on September 1, 2009.
Community Flu Hotline
Residents of Central Ohio may reach our information hotline by calling 211 or (614) 221-2255, where trained personnel can provide health and safety information regarding the current H1N1 outbreak.