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Information on H1N1 Flu

The H1N1 virus is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in April 2009, and has spread to many countries around the world. In July 2009, the World Health Organization declared the H1N1 virus a pandemic, meaning there is widespread human illness.

Certain strains of influenza occur annually and should not be confused with pandemic flu. These “seasonal” viruses cause the high fevers, coughs and chills familiar to all Ohioans, especially between December and April, which is the state’s peak period of seasonal flu activity.

To protect yourself from seasonal flu and pandemic H1N1, make good respiratory etiquette and hygiene habits a part of your daily routine.

Get your seasonal flu vaccination. While this does not protect you from pandemic H1N1, it will keep you healthy and fight off seasonal flu.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and then throw the tissue away.
If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze or use the restroom and before eating. If you are not near soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth as germs often spread this way.
Stay away from people who are sick.
If you get sick, stay home from work or school.

More information is available about the symptoms of pandemic H1N1 virus and when to seek medical care. If you think you may be sick follow these guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The H1N1 Vaccine

Vaccines are the most powerful public health tool for control of influenza.

CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended that certain groups of the population receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available. These target groups include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

Contact your healthcare professional to confirm if you fall into a target group who should receive the first doses of H1N1 vaccine.

Further Information

Visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website or the Franklin County Board of Health website for further information and answers to frequently asked questions.

Franklin County residents can call 2-1-1 for additional H1N1 information.

The Ohio H1N1 Information line is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please call 1-866-800-1404 for answers to your questions about swine flu. Listen for an audio recording of a sampling of calls.

H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Guide for Parents

Click here for comprehensive information for parents on the H1N1 flu and vaccine.

Please remember aspirin or aspirin-containing products (e.g. Pepto Bismol) should not be administered to any confirmed or suspected case of influenza aged 18 years old and younger due to the risk of Reye syndrome. For relief of fever, other anti-pyretic medications such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are recommended. For more information, visit http://www.reyessyndrome.org/what.htm

Children younger than 4 years of age should not be given over-the-counter cold medications without first speaking with a health care provider.

Franklin County Board of Commissioners