From news stories to area health agencies, word is spreading about the H1N1 influenza, a flu which could be deadly for some individuals.
One way to not become one of the few for whom the virus can be deadly is to get the vaccination, according to Preble County health officials.
The Preble County General Health District will be offering H1N1 influenza vaccination clinics for high-risk individuals on Tuesday, Oct. 27, and Thursday, Oct. 29.
Additional dates will be added based on vaccine availability and public response. The clinics will be held at the First Church of God, 601 E. Lexington Road, Eaton, from noon-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.
The Center for Disease Control has recommended that certain groups of the population receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available, according to PCGHD officials.
These priority groups include: pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, persons between the age of 6 months and 24 years old, people ages 25 through 64 years of age who are at high risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems, and healthcare and emergency medical service personnel. The vaccine is free of charge.
Those individuals interested in receiving the H1N1 influenza vaccine can pre-register at www.pcghd.net. Information regarding the general public H1N1 influenza vaccination clinics will be released once the priority groups have been vaccinated, according to Health Commissioner Melissa Wallace.
Additional information regarding H1N1 influenza is available on the Preble County General Health District, ODH and CDC websites at www.pcghd.net and www.odh.ohio.gov and www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ or on the ODH hotline 1-866-800-1404.
While these clinics are being offered, Wallace is concerned, because the Preble County General Health District and other public health agencies are what she considers "chronically under-funded."
"There are disease threats that circulate around the general public on a daily basis," Wallace said in a press release. "When communicable diseases such as the H1N1 influenza develop, many people suddenly become concerned. When H1N1 influenza appears, when SARS shows up, when the West Nile Virus arrives, whether for one day or one time period, people pay attention to public health.
"Those individuals working in public health work every day to watch for disease threats. We halt disease progression in the community and reduce the impact that diseases have on our children, our young people, our elderly, our community, and our economy. We use our voices in public health to reassure the public, bring calm to our community, and educate the public as to what they can do to protect themselves.
"Employees at the Preble County General Health District want you to know we want to be here to provide you with recommendations to protect yourselves and your families from diseases like H1N1 influenza, but we need your help."
To that end, the Preble County General Health District is seeking voter approval to renew a countywide, existing 0.3-mill, five-year operating levy on the November ballot.
Wallace noted "This levy has been and will continue to cost you approximately $30 over the course of one year in property tax on a home worth $100,000. But more important, you will receive peace of mind as the PCGHD will continue to protect you, your family, and the Preble County community from diseases in many ways.
"Levy monies pay for vaccines and nurses to give vaccinations. It pays for personnel to investigate reports of diseases in our community. It pays for public education so you know how to protect yourself and your family. It pays for ways to combat outbreaks when they do occur.
"This renewal is necessary to maintain the current programs and services that the health district provides for the residents, businesses, and schools within Preble County. Without the levy dollars, cuts could be made that impact our ability to respond during emergencies like the H1N1 influenza pandemic, leaving the Preble County community vulnerable."
Seasonal and H1N1 Influenza Q&A:
What is the flu?
Highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. H1N1 influenza, previously called "swine" flu, is a contagious virus causing illness.
What is the difference between seasonal flu that occurs every winter and H1N1 flu?
Seasonal flu comes back in slightly different forms each year. The H1N1 2009 is a new combination of four genetic elements: a bird flu, some human flu genes and two types of swine genes for flu.
How is this flu season different from every other year?
The H1N1 2009 flu strain is preying on children and young adults, including pregnant women. Older people, appear to have some immunity. Since April, 76 children have died, including 19 in the last week, according to the CDC. During the first four months of the outbreak, 100 women were hospitalized and 28 died from H1N1. Hospitalization rates, physician office visits, and emergency room visits are all increased in Ohio.
How does seasonal and H1N1 influenza spread?
Spreads from person to person; mostly spread by coughing and sneezing of infected persons; may also be spread by contact with something contaminated with infected secretions, such as clothing or desk; if a person touches infected secretions, it can be transmitted by touching the eyes or nose.
What are the symptoms of seasonal and H1N1 influenza?
Fever (100°F or greater), cough. sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body ache, headache, chills, fatigue, some have had diarrhea and vomiting.
What are the emergency warning signs?
In children: fast breathing or trouble breathing, bluish skin color, not drinking enough fluids, 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, fever with a rash
In adults: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting.
Does a person need to go the emergency room if he is only a little sick?
You should not go to the emergency room if you are only mildly ill. If you have the emergency warning signs of flu sickness, you should go to the emergency room. If you get sick with flu symptoms and are at high risk of flu complications or you are concerned about your illness, call your health care provider for advice. If you go to the emergency room and you are not sick with the flu, you may catch it from people who do have it.
If a person gets influenza like illness, how long should he stay home?
CDC recommends that a person stay home for at least 24 hours after his fever is gone except to get medical care for other necessities. (Fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.)
Is the H1N1 influenza vaccine safe?
The CDC, FDA and other public and private agencies closely monitor all vaccines for safety. This includes the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine. The 2009 H1N1 seasonal flu vaccine is produced the same way as seasonal flu vaccine that is made every year. The H1N1 vaccine is made using the same processes and facilities that are used to make the currently licensed seasonal influenza vaccines. There is a long and successful track record of safety and effectiveness of seasonal flu vaccine using this technology vaccine.
It was a relief to know that the feds were making this move to distribute the immunity against the flu virus. Is that true that they will be prioritizing the pregnant women and children below 6 years old?
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