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H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

H1N1 Flu Update

Update:
January 20, 2010

H1N1 Vaccination Clinics

Prevention Measures Important for Flu and Other Viral and Bacterial Diseases

H1N1 Vaccine at area pharmacies | Everyday Prevention
Overseas Travel | National Updates | Links

More H1N1 Vaccination Clinics Scheduled

H1N1 Vaccinations are available to anyone 6 months of age and older. H1N1 Vaccinations are free.

Date(s)	Place	Time	Notes
Thurs., January 21	Lifelong (Ithaca) 119 W. Court St.	9:00 am–12:00 pm	Open to the public Walk-in, No appointments
Fri., January 22 Tues., January 26	TCHD 401 Harris Dates Dr.	By appointment	Appointment necessary call 607-274-6609
Thurs., January 28	Shops at Ithaca Mall (Hallway next to Borders and Best Buy)	3:30–6:30 pm	Open to the public Walk-in, No appointments

Prevention Measures Important for Flu and Other Viral and Bacterial Diseases

At this time there is low flu activity in schools and in the community. This information is based on anecdotal reports from physicians and school nurses. However, it is still important to take this opportunity to get vaccinated in anticipation of a next wave of H1N1 flu illness. It takes approximately two weeks to build immunity after vaccination.

It is important for people 65 years of age and older to get the H1N1 vaccine. While this group was not considered a priority earlier, now that the vaccine is available to anyone 6 months of age and older, seniors are strongly encouraged to get the vaccine. People 65 years of age and older may be at lesser risk of getting H1N1 flu. However, they still may become ill with H1N1 flu and suffer from its complications.

There have been reports of gastro-intestinal illness in schools. These reports also include the observation that since the illness is not H1N1, prevention measures have been relaxed. It is still important to wash hands frequently, not share utensils, stay home if you're sick, and cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. These prevention measures reduce the spread of influenza and other viruses such as colds, gastrointestinal viruses and bacterial diseases.

H1N1 vaccine at area pharmacies

To locate an area pharmacy that is providing the vaccine go to www.flu.gov. Enter your zip code in the area “Flu Locator,” hit the “go” button and a list of pharmacies will appear. Check frequently for updates. When pharmacies receive the vaccine, they may vaccinate anyone above the age of six months.

Everyday Steps to Prevent Flu

Remember that every day steps to prevent H1N1 flu and seasonal flu go a long way in staying healthy and preventing the spread of disease:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after it’s used and wash your hands.
Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow if a tissue is unavailable or a cough or sneeze comes up quickly.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth since germs can spread that way.
If you have influenza-like-illness (fever greater than a 100◦F with cough or sore throat) stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever goes away, without using any fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)

Overseas Travel

Those people traveling overseas should check the Centers for Disease Control web site. There are some countries, particularly in Asia that are screening travelers for influenza-like illness. For CDC travel updates, visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/novel-h1n1-flu.aspx.

National updates from the CDC

For current information on H1N1 activity, reports of influenza-like illness (ILI), hospitalizations, deaths and more both nationally and by region, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm. Updated Fridays.

Seasonal flu and H1N1 flu Web sites:

• New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) – www.nyhealth.gov
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu

TCHD Flu Hotline: 607-274-6609

Tompkins County Health Department 401 Harris B Dates Drive - Ithaca, New York 14850
Alice Cole, R.N.,M.S.E - Public Health Director

Page updated: January 20, 2010 | Webmaster