H1N1 Influenza
Virus Information
What you
can do to stay healthy
Updated: December 23, 2009
Wash'em to prevent the spread of germs!
The
Orange County Health Department has produced a short
video to show young children effective ways to prevent
catching the flu. The short video (Windows
Media Player format) features a school nurse
helping a child wash her hands for the amount of time
needed to sing two rounds of the "Happy Birthday"
song.
Click the links below to watch the video. (It takes a
several seconds to load.)
Ways to prevent catching the flu
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Influenza, also known
as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by
different strains of virus. Typically, the type of flu people
get in the fall and winter months is called seasonal flu.
No one knows if this year's strain of flu will be the seasonal
flu or the H1N1 influenza virus, commonly known as swine flu.
While the cases of H1N1, reported locally and nationwide at the
end of the last school year, were milder than initially feared,
medical authorities are continuing to urge vigilance to avoid
the spread of infection.
H1N1 vaccine now available for general population in Orange
County
Now that H1N1 vaccine can be given beyond the initial target
groups, the Orange County Department of Health would like
residents to be aware that physicians' offices are now receiving
H1N1 vaccine regularly, plus OCDH has H1N1 clinics scheduled
during the school vacations.
To make an appointment for the Goshen health department office
clinic on Wednesday, Dec. 30, call 291-4300. Clinics are also
being held at the health department offices in Newburgh and
Middletown on Wednesday, Dec., 30, call 568-5333 for Newburgh
and 346-1113 for Middletown.
These clinics are open to anyone 10 years and over (but under 18
will need a parent present to sign consent.) Under 10 years, two
doses are required so we encourage younger children to be seen
by their pediatrician.
H1N1 clinics will continue to be scheduled as more vaccines
arrive.
H1N1 Symptoms
The symptoms of H1N1 appear to be similar to the symptoms
of seasonal flu, which include fever, cough, sore throat, body
aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Diarrhea and vomiting may
also occur. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek
medical attention and stay home from school or work.
Flu symptoms self-assessment: Do you have
the flu?
Seasonal flu and H1N1 share symptoms. So is it the flu or a
cold? This online self assessment could help determine if you
have H1N1, seasonal flu, or a cold.
Flu shots for kids: Should healthy kids be
vaccinated?
Do your children need flu shots? Here's the latest on flu
shots for kids.
Is My Child at High Risk for
Complications from the Flu?
Children and adolescents with certain high-risk medical
conditions can get seriously ill when infected with the 2009
H1N1 influenza virus (swine flu) and seasonal influenza virus.
Click here to learn about these high-risk
medical conditions and how to protect your child this
flu season.
Be Wise about Reyes:
Kids & aspirin products don't
mix
The National Reye's Syndrome
Foundation is reminding parents NOT to give children or teens
aspirin or aspirin-containing products to treat the Influenza A
(Swine Flu), chicken pox or colds.
Reye's Syndrome, a deadly disease, strikes swiftly and can
attack any child, teen, or adult without warning. All body
organs are affected, with the liver and brain suffering most
seriously. While the cause and cure remain unknown, research has
established a link between Reye's Syndrome and the use of
aspirin and other salicylate containing medications, over the
counter products, and topical use products. For more
information, visit the
Reye's Syndrome Foundation Web site.
To lower your risk of infection, the CDC is recommending people
take simple precautionary measures:
Practical Advice for Parents
•
Teach children to cover their nose
and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and to throw the tissue in the trash after using it.
•
Teach children to wash their hands
often with soap and water, especially after they 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 or your child gets sick,
CDC recommends that you stay home from school or
work and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
New York State has set up a 24-hour emergency hotline. It
is 1-800-808-1987.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site
www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
Questions & Answers: Swine Flu and You:
www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you
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