THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF H1N1 FLU IN PEOPLE

The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.  Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu.  In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

IN CHILDREN EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS THAT NEED URGENT MEDICAL ATTENTION INCLUDE:

.  Fast breathing or trouble breathing
.  Bluish or gray skin color
.  Not drinking enough fluids
.  Severe or persistent vomiting
.  Not waking up or not interacting
.  Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
.  Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

IN ADULTS, EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS THAT NEED URGENT MEDICAL ATTENTION INCLUDE:

.   Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
.  Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
.  Sudden dizziness
.  Confusion
.  Severe or persistent vomiting
.  Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough 

PRESS RELEASE

The Henderson County Health Department is working diligently to provide education and current updates to prevent the spread of flu.  We will be offering mass vaccination clinics and implementing community prevention measures.

According to Mary Reed, Administrator, the Health Department is promoting to the general public the following:

• Encourage people to get their seasonal flu shot as always.  The Health Department will begin clinics in October.  The clinics will be publicized.  Getting a flu shot is the best way to protect against becoming ill with the seasonal flu virus.

• Help prevent the spread of the flu by encouraging good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette – practice the three C’s:

1. Clean – wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs.
2. Cover - your cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve.
3. Contain – stay home if you are sick.

• Get an H1N1 flu shot (will be two shots in children <10) when it becomes available.  This is a separate vaccine from the seasonal flu vaccine and will be initially available to those most at risk.  The H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. 
• We will be offering H1N1 at West Central School District.  The clinic dates will be publicized as soon as possible.  Look for consent forms later on this website.