The Grafton Health Department wishes to offer the information below regarding seasonal and H1N1
influenza. We understand there is a lot of information being circulated by several sources and can be very
confusing. Hopefully this information will help to better prepare you to fight the flu.
Seasonal Influenza Pandemic H1N1 Influenza
Is a respiratory virus spread through droplets.
Respiratory virus that is new to all in 2009.
Several strains seen every year. Usually occurs
Spread through droplets. Occurs anytime,
December – May, peaking in late January–March.
especially when people are in close quarters.
5 – 20% of US population get sick every year from
seasonal flu. Over 200,000 are hospitalized.
Population will get sick from H1N1 with over
Approx. 36,000 deaths occur, usually from
complications such as pneumococcal disease.
Symptoms: often severe, very sudden onset. Fever
Symptoms: usually mild, somewhat sudden
usually greater than 101 F. Cough, sore throat,
onset. Fever 100.4 F/38 C or higher, cough,
sore throat, possibly with headache and body
Treatment: Rest, fluids, fever reducing
aches. Sometimes runny nose, diarrhea or
medications1 such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol),
and Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). For some, antiviral
Treatment: rest, fluids, fever reducing
medications within the first 2 days of symptoms.2
medications.1 For some, antiviral medicines
Vaccine available now. One shot unless under 9
Tamiflu or Relenza in the first 2 days of
years of age and receiving it for the first time, then
two shots will be required 28 days apart. Takes
Vaccine in clinical trials should be arriving
approximately two weeks to build immunity.
early to mid October.3 Two shots for all, 21 –
Target groups for vaccine:4 Seniors 65 years and
over. Recommended for 50 years and over,
immunity after two weeks. Target groups for
children 6 months to 4 years (now recommended
for all children) and anyone with an underlying
months to 24 years, household contacts or
condition5 including respiratory conditions
caregivers of children under 6 months, 25 –
(asthma), cardiac disease, pregnancy, and diabetes.
64 year olds with underlying conditions5,
1 - No aspirin products should be R e yes Syndrome. 2 *- Seasonal flu has shown some resistance to Tamiflu and Relenza. Two other antiviral medications can be used. H1N1 is still sensitive to Tamiflu and Relenza.
no aspirin products should be given to children less than 18 years because of the risk of Reyes Syndrome.
3 - Some information may change as trials conclude. 4 - All residents should get a seasonal and H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available to their age g roup if they wish to help protect themselves against the flu. 5 - Any condition that makes you more likely to develop complications if you get the flu
1. WASH YOUR HANDS: Soap and water for 20 seconds (2 rounds of happy birthday) on all surfaces of
your hands or use hand sanitizer with an alcohol content greater than 60%, rubbing vigorously on all surfaces of your hands until dry.
2. COVER YOUR COUGH OR SNEEZE: With your elbow, clothes or a tissue that you dispose of right away
3. STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK: Until 24 hours after the fever returns to normal without fever reducing
medications (so please, don’t take Tylenol then go to school or work – YOU ARE STILL INFECTIOUS). For children with the flu, have a plan all ready to go for who will care for the child at home. We think most people will be able to return to work or school in 3 – 5 days after H1N1.
4. CLEAN hard surfaces frequently that you use the most (ex. doorknobs, phones, TV remote, computer
keyboard). No special cleaner needed. Good news; Influenza viruses live only 2 – 8 hours on surfaces. Keep your hands away from your nose and mouth until you have washed your hands after touching these items.
5. GET VACCINATED whenever the vaccine becomes available to you.
MORE IMPORTANT: DO NOT PANIC
The centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) bring the latest and most accurate information to the local health department on a regular basis. The experiences in the spring with H1N1 have given all of us some practice on how we need to approach the developing situation. There are new things being learned all the time and it will require all our patience as it changes.
For more information and questions: Contact the Grafton Health Department– Public Health Nurse: Trish Parent (508) 839-5335 x 129 Email: parentt@grafton-ma.gov You may also call the Massachusetts Information Line “211” 24 hrs/day 7 days/week. Websites: http://www.mass.gov/dph/swineflu
http://www.mass.gov/dph/schoolhealth http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
Remember, if we work together everyone can stay healthy because - Public Health is YOUR Health!
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder as an Outgrowth of Normal Behavior "Let yourself go with the disease, be with it, keep company with it -- this is the way to be rid of it." Introduction In an influential paper, Fiske and Halsam (1997) begin with a description of a man in an unfamiliar country. We observe him to be dressed all in red in a red doorway, washing his hands six times in six dif
INGLÊS – 1ª SÉRIE TAREFA DA SEMANA DE 09 DE SETEMBRO – 15ª SEMANA TEXT Aspirin Danger Wonder-drug it may be, but aspirin is not suitable for children under the age of 12. Doctors have warned for years that if children take aspirin they risk developing a serious, sometimes fatal condition called Reye’s syndrome. But despite their warnings, a recent research project showed that
1. WASH YOUR HANDS: Soap and water for 20 seconds (2 rounds of happy birthday) on all surfaces of
your hands or use hand sanitizer with an alcohol content greater than 60%, rubbing vigorously on all surfaces of your hands until dry.
2. COVER YOUR COUGH OR SNEEZE: With your elbow, clothes or a tissue that you dispose of right away
3. STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK: Until 24 hours after the fever returns to normal without fever reducing
medications (so please, don’t take Tylenol then go to school or work – YOU ARE STILL INFECTIOUS). For children with the flu, have a plan all ready to go for who will care for the child at home. We think most people will be able to return to work or school in 3 – 5 days after H1N1.
4. CLEAN hard surfaces frequently that you use the most (ex. doorknobs, phones, TV remote, computer
keyboard). No special cleaner needed. Good news; Influenza viruses live only 2 – 8 hours on surfaces. Keep your hands away from your nose and mouth until you have washed your hands after touching these items.
5. GET VACCINATED whenever the vaccine becomes available to you.
MORE IMPORTANT: DO NOT PANIC