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» 10/09/09 - Concerned about H1N1, also known as Swine Flu? Get the Facts.

The symptoms of the H1N1 Flu are the same as the regular seasonal flu.

These symptoms include:

• Fever of 100 degrees or higher, PLUS
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Headaches & body aches
• Chills
• Chest discomfort
• Extreme exhaustion

H1N1 Swine Flu Resources

For additional information, we recommend the following resources:

California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Hotline dedicated to answering the public's questions on H1N1 (swine) flu.
1-888-865-0564
website: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Pages/SwineInfluenza.aspx

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
H1N1 website: www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/

US Department of Health & Human Services
Pandemic flu and H1N1 website: www.flu.gov

Nor-Cal BT
Northern CA Public Health Departments regional disaster preparedness website includes H1N1 information: www.norcalbt.com

Tehama County Health Services
www.tehamacohealthservices.net

H1N1 Flu Information

Download pdf's below:

Are We in an Influenza Pandemic? Yes!

A pandemic is a global outbreak of disease that spreads easily from person to person and is affecting people around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic of H1N1 (swine) flu in June of 2009.

How H1H1 is Spread Novel influenza A is respiratory virus that spreads easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or touching a surface or an item that an ill person touched (door know, Phone, etc.).

Vaccine for Novel H1N1
A vaccine for H1N1 is being developed & tested. The H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in fall 2009. The vaccine will be available both as a shot and as a nasal mist. The vaccine will be given to people most-at risk for complications from the H1N1 flu first. H1N1 vaccine is recommended by the CDC for the following groups of people:

• • Pregnant women & caregivers to infants
• • Healthcare & EMS workers
• • People aged 6 months to 24 years
• • Adults 25-64 yrs with chronic medical conditions

How to Prevent the Spread of the Flu
Simple steps can help prevent the spread of the flu virus & other germs that make people sick.

• • Stay home from work & school if you are sick!
• • Cover your mouth & nose with a tissue or your arm when you cough or sneeze. If you use your hands, wash or use hand sanitizer immediately.
• • Wash your hands frequently with warm water & soap for 20 seconds.
• • Use alcohol-based sanitizers when soap & water are unavailable.
• • Avoid touching your eyes, nose & mouth, since germs enter there.

When to Seek Medical Help
Anyone who is sick should stay home. Ill people should get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and take pain relievers such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen reduce fever and ease body aches. REMEMBER never give children aspirin when they have a fever since it can cause complications. Even if you are mildly ill you should stay home. You can return to work or school when you have NOT had a fever for at least 24 hours (without using fever reducing medications). Most people do not need medical care, however, those who are at-risk for complications from the (pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions) should call their medical provider if they become ill.

You should also seek medical treatment if:

• • Symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 week
• • Fever accompanied by a rash
• • Difficulty breathing
• • Sudden dizziness
• • Confusion
• • Severe or persistent vomiting
• • Not drinking enough fluids-dehydrated