H1N1 Flu Update

March 31, 2010;

 

UPDATED – 03-31-10 - The rural clinics in Refugio County now have plenty of H1N1 vaccine supply.  H1N1 vaccine supplies within the state have caught up with demand, so we are no longer using a list or rationing the vaccine; persons may come as walk-ins to any of the clinics and receive H1N1 vaccine as supplies remain available.

H1N1 flu is still active in the U.S., so all children over 6 months of age and adults are advised to receive the vaccine if they have not (except in rare exceptions, such as those with allergies to eggs).  Another 'surge' of influenza is still possible at nearly any time, so please get the vaccine if you have not done so already.

 

Since late April 2009, Refugio County, along with State and Local public health authorities, has been responding to the new H1N1 influenza strain (previously called ‘swine flu’). H1N1 is now the major flu strain in circulation in Texas, but seasonal flu strains are expected to emerge also this fall and winter. The virus is about the same strength as the usual flu virus, but is causing more serious illness in people in the middle of the age spectrum (school-age children through young adults), making it a different kind of threat. Just like seasonal flu, it may be deadly; therefore, the public is encouraged to educate itself and take preventive measures. If the public, local and regional leaders, businesses, schools, and public health officials respond according to a well-coordinated plan, the H1N1 situation should not cause widespread disruption to economic or school processes. This will require everyone to take precautions and invest time in being  informed; so please read the following carefully:

• Vaccines are a very important way to protect people from becoming seriously ill from seasonal flu, H1N1 flu, and pneumonia.

• SEASONAL flu vaccines are recommended for ALL CHILDREN AND ADULTS 6 MONTHS AND UP unless there is a contraindication, such as allergic reaction to eggs. You need a new shot every year. Seasonal flu vaccines are NOT considered sufficient to protect against H1N1; a separate vaccine is needed for this strain.

• If one gets the flu, pneumonia can set in and be life-threatening. Pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for many children and adults; please ask your doctor if you need one for the first time or a booster.

• The best way to fight flu is to prevent getting it. Keep a safe distance from people who are ill. Wash your hands frequently. Cover your cough or sneeze with a cloth or your elbow to avoid getting other people sick. If you are ill, stay home from work or school.

• If you develop flu-like illness (fever, sore throat or cough, body aches, red eyes) contact your physician’s office PROMPTLY. People at risk for complications of the flu need to be treated with antiviral medications, and it is very important that these medications be started as soon as possible to be effective.

• In certain cases, people who have had contact with persons with the flu should be treated with antivirals to prevent contracting the flu. Please ask your physician if you have close contact with persons believed to have the flu.

• Finances should NOT be a factor in whether or not you or your children receive vaccine or antiviral this flu season. Ask your physician or local or state public health authorities if you need information about obtaining vaccine or antiviral in financial hardship circumstances.

• Please keep track of the flu situation in the county by the county website, http://www.co.refugio.tx.us . General information for the flu and H1N1 can be found at www.TexasFlu.org . Local information is available at Refugio County Memorial Hospital.

• Vacunas son muy importante para proteger a las personas y prevenir enfermedades graves por la influenza estacional, H1N1, y pulmonia.

• Vacunas para la cepa de influenza ESTACIONAL son recomendados para TODOS LOS NINOS Y ADULTOS 6 MESES Y MAYORES, sino que haya razon para no dar la vacuna – por ejemplo, alergia a huevos. Se necesita nueva vacuna cada ano. Vacunas estacionales NO se consideran bastantes para protegerse en contra H1N1; una vacuna especial se necesita para esta cepa.

 

• Si se pega uno con la influenza, pulmonia puede pegarse y ser un amenaza a la vida. Vacunas de pulmonia son recomendado para muchos ninos y adultos; favor de preguntar de su medico si se necesita or necesita otra ‘booster’ inyeccion.

• La mejora manera de pelear en contra la influenza es prevenir enfermarse. Mantener una distancia segura de personas que estan enfermos; lavarse las manos frencuentamente; cubrir su tos o su estornudar con una tela o con su codo para evitar enfermarles a otros. Si estas enfermo, mantenerse en la casa, afuera de la escuela o de su trabajo.

• Si se pega una enfermedad como influenza (calentura, dolor de garganta, dolores de cuerpo, ojos rojos) hacer contacto con la oficina de su medico RAPIDAMENTE. Personas en alta riesgo de complicaciones de influenza necesitan ser tratado con medicinas en contra el virus, y es muy importante que estas medicinas se empiezan tan pronto como posible para ser efectivas.

• En ciertos casos, personas que tenian contacto con personas sufriendo de la influenza deben ser tratado con medicinas en contra el virus para prevenir infeccion. Favor de preguntar a su medico si tienen contacto con personas que probablamente tienen la influenza.

• Preocupaciones economicas NO DEBEN ser una cosa importante in decidir si or no va a vacunarse o tratarse con medicinas para si mismo o de sus ninos. Preguntar a su medico, o de autoridades de la salud publica, si necesita informacion acerca de donde se ofrecen vacunas o medicinas en casos en que no se puede pagar.

• Favor de mantnerse educado acerca de la influenza y como responder por visitar el sitio internet, http://www.co.refugio.tx.us . Informacion acerca de la influenza y H1N1 tambien se coloca en www.TexasFlu.org . Informacion local tambien se encuentra en Refugio County Memorial Hospital.