'101' Facts About H1N1 Virus

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                                   '101' Facts About H1N1 Virus
POSTED: 11:06 am EDT September 3, 2009
UPDATED: 6:13 am EDT September 4, 2009

             BOSTON -- The headlines and warnings that the worldwide H1N1 flu virus pandemic will hit the United States hard this winter are startling and hard to ignore, but in many cases taking common sense public health measures will prevent many people from falling ill. 
Special H1N1 Flu Section | Video 
Mimi Stamer, president of the Massachusetts school nurse organization said “fever is always a distinguishing symptom” of the flu, and that will be no different with the H1N1 strain. 
“In particular for the flu we’re also looking for sore throat or coughs,” Stamer said. “Some children will also have stuffy noses or runny noses and some children may also experience diarrhea or vomiting.” 
The best way to avoid getting sick in the first place is to “do what your mother said. Wash your hands frequently, don't sneeze out into the open,” according to Dr. Les Selbovitz, chief medical officer at Newton Wellesley Hospital. 
He said the flu virus can live on surfaces for up to eight hours. 
Despite that, extra cleaning is not necessary to combat the flu. “You don't need to go out and buy extra special heavy duty cleaners,” said Selbovitz. “Current practices, perhaps with a little more religion, is all you need to do.” 
There is no requirement that anyone in Massachusetts be vaccinated against the flu – either seasonal of H1N1 – however public health experts strongly encourage it for the general public. 
“There's no requirement at this time,” said Dr. Nancy Norman of the Boston Public Health Commission. “The flu vaccines both seasonal and H1N1 are going to be voluntary.” 
For the first time, this year the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is requiring that anyone who works in a health care setting must be offered flu shots. Those who decline must sign a waiver acknowledging the risks. 
Health care workers are among those considered top priority to receive the new H1N1 vaccine. It’s currently being tested and is expected to be available in mid-October. 
Other high priority groups include pregnant women, people who care for infants, school-aged children and anyone with a chronic health condition such as heart disease, diabetes or asthma. 
“We need to focus very much on getting the high risk population to act on time to get immunized,” said Julio Frenk, dean of the Harvard School of Public Health. 
Anyone considered at high risk of getting the flu should call their health care provider at the first sign of illness. 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone have some essential supplies on hand at home in case a family member exhibits flu-like symptoms. Those supplies include a thermometer, tissues, fever-reducing medicine and hand sanitizer. Products that contain ibuprofen or acetaminophen are considered fever-reducing. 
For families with children the CDC goes a step further, urging parents to prepare in case they or their children may need to stay home for up to seven days, saying families may want to stock up on movies, games or other ways to pass the time at home so they don’t have to venture out and risk spreading illness.

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Ruthie23 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List V.I.P. Member Joined: May 25 2006 Location: San Diego Status: Offline Points: 267	Post Options Post Reply Quote Ruthie23 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: '101' Facts About H1N1 Virus Posted: September 04 2009 at 3:44am
	'101' Facts About H1N1 Virus POSTED: 11:06 am EDT September 3, 2009 UPDATED: 6:13 am EDT September 4, 2009 BOSTON -- The headlines and warnings that the worldwide H1N1 flu virus pandemic will hit the United States hard this winter are startling and hard to ignore, but in many cases taking common sense public health measures will prevent many people from falling ill. Special H1N1 Flu Section \| Video Mimi Stamer, president of the Massachusetts school nurse organization said “fever is always a distinguishing symptom” of the flu, and that will be no different with the H1N1 strain. “In particular for the flu we’re also looking for sore throat or coughs,” Stamer said. “Some children will also have stuffy noses or runny noses and some children may also experience diarrhea or vomiting.” The best way to avoid getting sick in the first place is to “do what your mother said. Wash your hands frequently, don't sneeze out into the open,” according to Dr. Les Selbovitz, chief medical officer at Newton Wellesley Hospital. He said the flu virus can live on surfaces for up to eight hours. Despite that, extra cleaning is not necessary to combat the flu. “You don't need to go out and buy extra special heavy duty cleaners,” said Selbovitz. “Current practices, perhaps with a little more religion, is all you need to do.” There is no requirement that anyone in Massachusetts be vaccinated against the flu – either seasonal of H1N1 – however public health experts strongly encourage it for the general public. “There's no requirement at this time,” said Dr. Nancy Norman of the Boston Public Health Commission. “The flu vaccines both seasonal and H1N1 are going to be voluntary.” For the first time, this year the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is requiring that anyone who works in a health care setting must be offered flu shots. Those who decline must sign a waiver acknowledging the risks. Health care workers are among those considered top priority to receive the new H1N1 vaccine. It’s currently being tested and is expected to be available in mid-October. Other high priority groups include pregnant women, people who care for infants, school-aged children and anyone with a chronic health condition such as heart disease, diabetes or asthma. “We need to focus very much on getting the high risk population to act on time to get immunized,” said Julio Frenk, dean of the Harvard School of Public Health. Anyone considered at high risk of getting the flu should call their health care provider at the first sign of illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone have some essential supplies on hand at home in case a family member exhibits flu-like symptoms. Those supplies include a thermometer, tissues, fever-reducing medicine and hand sanitizer. Products that contain ibuprofen or acetaminophen are considered fever-reducing. For families with children the CDC goes a step further, urging parents to prepare in case they or their children may need to stay home for up to seven days, saying families may want to stock up on movies, games or other ways to pass the time at home so they don’t have to venture out and risk spreading illness.
	Hugs Ruthie