Plattsburgh, NY

                                                                                                                                                                         

H1N1 FLU (INFLUENZA) INFORMATION

               
          CLINIC SCHEDULES: H1N1 Clinics (all ages) March 1st, 8th, 15th (see "Events" section for details)...  Seasonal Flu MIST ONLY (by appt) at the Health Department, for people ages 2-49, medically healthy, and not pregnant. Call 565-4848 to make an appointment.


2009 H1N1 Influenza

 H1N1 is a new strain of the flu virus.  It is made up of a combination of influenza viruses found in pigs, birds and people. 

H1N1 started to make people sick in the spring of 2009.  Like other flu viruses, H1N1 didn’t make as many people sick during the summer.  This fall activity levels are starting to rise again. 

Many people are scared because of what they hear from relatives, friends and the news.  H1N1 is like the seasonal flu that people get sick with every year.  The biggest problem is that, because it is new, people have not developed any immunity against it so even healthy young people are getting seriously ill.


 


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Signs and Symptoms of 2009 H1N1 Flu

The signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu are very similar to the symptoms of the seasonal flu.  They are:

  • fever ≥ 100° F*
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • body aches
  • headache
  • chills
  • fatigue
  • sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

*Not everyone with flu will have a fever or experience all symptoms.

(Source: CDC)

      Click here for more Info about H1N1


How Does it Spread?

Flu viruses spread in by coughing and sneezing. Flu usually spreads from person to person but sometimes flu can spread when someone touches something with flu viruses on it and then touches their eyes, mouth or nose.

The flu virus can be spread to others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you can pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.


 Should I Still Get the Vaccine? 

Yes!  Even though it seems like no one is getting sick right now, it is still important to get immunized!  Flu season in our area can last past April but that doesn’t mean that people cannot get sick with flu beyond that time.  This means that we may find people getting sick again in a few weeks or even in a few months.

The best way to ensure that you are protected is to get the vaccine, practice proper respiratory etiquette and wash your hands!


2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine

 H1N1 influenza vaccine is now in abundant supply.  It is available to all people regardless of age or health.  It is available in both nasal mist and “shot” forms.  Please contact your healthcare provider or local health department to obtain your H1N1 vaccine.

Many people have concerns and questions about the H1N1 vaccine.  H1N1 is an influenza virus, like seasonal influenza.  The process being used to make the vaccine is the same process that is used to make seasonal flu vaccine.  Since they are the same type of vaccine, you can expect to see the same soreness, redness and swelling at the injection site after you get the immunization. 

Follow the links below for more information on the two types of H1N1 vaccine that will be available this year:

2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Information Sheet:  Live/Nasal Mist

2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Information Sheet: Inactivated/Injection 
 

Who Should NOT Get Vaccinated

• People with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome; and
• People who are allergic to chicken eggs or any other component of the vaccine.


What to do if You Get Sick

If you think you have the flu it is important that you don’t get other people sick.  If you have a fever please STAY HOME! 

Monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention if you begin to develop severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dehydration, bluish skin tone, inability to stay awake. 

It is also important to remember to stay home until your fever has been gone for a full 24 hours without taking medicines like acetominophen or ibuprofen. 

For more information about how to know if you have the flu and what to do if you get sick, please visit this link:

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm


Do I have a Fever?

If you think that you or your child have the flu, it is important to know if you have a fever.  A fever can help the doctor determine what to do to help you.  Also, when you have been sick, you should be fever free for 24 hours before returning to work and school.  It is important to get an accurate temperature and there are different ways to check a temperature depending on your age.

For information about taking a baby’s temperature click here.

For information about taking the temperature of a person age 4 or older click here.



Ways to Help Avoid Getting the Flu

Important ways to avoid both seasonal and H1N1 flu and prevent its spread are frequent hand washing, use of alcohol based hand sanitizers, coughing or sneezing into one’s sleeve, keeping at least six feet distance from people who have respiratory symptoms, and staying home when you are sick.

CCHD How to Stay Healthy
CCHD Is It a Flu or a Cold?
CCHD Flu Info for Schools


Related Topics to Help Prevent the Flu

Cover Your Cough
Wash Your Hands



Flyers, Posters and Brochures to Post

Click here for "Someone at Home has the Flu" brochure
Click here for "Stay at Home" poster
Click here for "Ask about a Mask" brochure
 

Contact Us

To receive more information, call or visit us at:

Clinton County Health Department
Health Services Unit
133 Margaret Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Tel: (518) 565-4848
 

                                                                               
                                                            
               Note:  These are external web links.
                                                                                                                                                                       
 


Clinton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision
of services. The information on the Clinton County Health Department website is for educational purposes only. Nothing on the pages of this site shall be construed
as medical, fitness, dietetic, or other professional advice. This information is based on current beliefs among researchers and research studies published in the
current scientific literature. Clinton County is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse any content on external web links.

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