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Important H1N1 Flu (Swine flu) Information

The Ulster County Health Department continues to monitor influenza-like illnesses and provides education within Ulster County .
 
Illness associated with the H1N1 flu virus, is continuing throughout the United States.   Much more is known now about the H1N1 flu virus than when it was first detected in April, 2009.

By taking planning steps now, schools, businesses, worksites, and the general public can help ensure that they are prepared for any flu activity.  

Influenza Updates 

April 16: H1N1 update from UCHD

April 2: H1N1 update from UCHD

March 19: H1N1 update from UCHD

March 5: H1N1 update from UCHD

February 19: H1N1 update from UCHD

February 5: H1N1 update from UCHD

January 29: H1N1 update from UCHD

January 22: H1N1 update from UCHD

January 15: H1N1 update from UCHD

January 8: H1N1 update from UCHD

December 30: H1N1 update from UCHD

December 23: H1N1 update from UCHD

December 18: H1N1 update from UCHD

December 11: H1N1 update from UCHD

November 25: H1N1 update from UCHD

November 20: H1N1 update from UCHD

November 13: H1N1 update from UCHD

November 6: H1N1 update from UCHD

October 30: H1N1 update from UCHD

October 23: H1N1 update from UCHD

Frequently Asked Questions    

WHO SHOULD GET VACCINATED AGAINST H1N1 FLU?

H1N1 vaccination is now recommended for ALL New Yorkers over 6 months of age, not just those in the initial priority groups. This includes senior citizens age 65 and older. 

AM I ELIGIBLE TO GET THE H1N1 FLU VACCINE?

Yes. New York State is now making the vaccine available to ALL New Yorkers. During the first phase of New York ’s statewide vaccination campaign, when supplies of vaccine were limited, the State designated the H1N1 vaccine for priority groups considered at highest risk of serious illness and complications from the flu and those at risk of transmitting the flu to vulnerable individuals. Now that there is an adequate supply of vaccine, the State has expanded access to the vaccine to ALL New Yorkers.  

NOW IS THE TIME TO GET VACCINATED!

The H1N1 flu season is far from over. H1N1 flu activity is still widespread in New York State . Typically, the most flu activity occurs from January through March, and the flu season runs until May. Getting vaccinated now will provide protection for you against H1N1 flu for the rest of the season this winter and spring.  

THE H1N1 VACCINE IS SAFE.

The H1N1 vaccine will NOT make you sick, but the flu WILL. Like the seasonal flu vaccine, the H1N1 vaccine has a very good safety record. Most people who receive the H1N1 flu don’t experience any symptoms afterwards; some feel a temporary mild soreness in the arm. The nasal spray vaccine is also safe, effective, and easy to use.

Where to Find Seasonal and H1N1 Flu Vaccine

SEASONAL FLU VACCINE:

The Ulster County Department of Health (UCDOH) is no longer offering seasonal flu vaccine for the 2009-2010 season. The influenza schedule for the 2010-2011season is typically posted in the late fall when vaccine becomes available. Please check UCDOH’s website and the flu hotline (845-340-3093) closer to that time for more information.

H1N1 FLU VACCINE:

UCDOH wrapped up their final H1N1 vaccination clinics on March 26, 2010. In total, UCDOH held seventeen successful public vaccination clinics between the months of December and March. If you would still like to receive the vaccine, visit http://www.flucliniclocator.org to find out about other H1N1 flu vaccination clinics scheduled near you.

Resources

The following posters and information should be distributed and posted in key locations to help family, friends and co-workers to do their part to prevent the spread of illnesses.  

Stopping the flu is up to you! 

1. Get a seasonal flu shot now and the H1N1 vaccination when it becomes available.

2. Keep your germs to yourself.

3. Stay home when sick.

In addition to getting the vaccinations for seasonal and H1N1 flu, follow these every day action steps to protect yourself and your family from the flu:

• Washing your hands often with soap and warm water. Alcohol-based hand cleansers are also effective.
• Avoiding people who are ill.
• Staying home from work or school if you are sick.
• Using tissue when you cough, sneeze or spit, and dispose of the tissue in a covered trash bin.
• Keeping hands away from your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cleaning shared space more often such as phone receivers, keyboards, steering wheels and office equipment.
• Refraining from sharing personal items such as forks, spoons, toothbrushes and towels.

Poster for building entrances: You are welcome but the flu is not!

Key H1N1 Flu information for the public, employers, health care providers, childcare providers, schools, colleges and universities and other special interest groups provided by:

New York State Department of Health

New York State DOH hotline-1-800-808-1987 available 24/7

(Spanish/English/French languages)

 Resources:

v     Does Someone at Home Have the Flu? Answer These Questions to Know What to Do!  

v     Novel H1N1 Flu and Seasonal Flu: Differences and Similarities

v     Various posters and fliers

Vaccine Safety, Questions and Answers, Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
 
U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
 
Para Español:

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/espanol/

Public Service Announcement: (55 seconds)

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