September 10, 2009

           

Prevent the Spread of H1N1

 

            GREENVILLE, OH – With clusters of outbreaks being reported at Universities within our region, the Darke County Health Department is encouraging citizens to take measures to prevent the spread of H1N1.  Dr. Holman, Health Commissioner, stated: “With our local schools being in session, it is important now, more than ever for people to take precautions. The H1N1 vaccine is not available yet and will not be available until the middle of October. Therefore, it is important that people practice good personal hygiene.” 

Preventative measures include: 

o     Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and then throw the tissue away.  If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve. 

o     Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough, sneeze or use the restroom and before eating.  If you are not near soap and water, use an alcohol- based hand sanitizer. 

o     Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth as germs often spread this way.

o     Stay away from people who are sick.

o     Use the wipes available in most grocery stores to wipe off cart handles.

o     Protect children by keeping their hands clean.

o     If you get sick, stay at home from work and school for 24 hours after you are symptom free without taking fever-reducing medication.

o     If you have severe illness or are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Antiviral drugs can be given to treat those who become severely ill.

 

            Dr. Holman stated: “We are going to be working closely with the school nurses and administration in regard to H1N1, but a lot depends upon the individual to prevent the spread of the illness.”

            The Darke County General Health District continues to follow the direction and guidelines provided by the Ohio Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control in planning and implementing the H1N1 vaccination program. Priority groups for the initial vaccine are:

1.      Pregnant women

2.      Persons who live with or provide care for infants aged <6 months (parents, siblings, day-care providers).

3.       Health-care and emergency medical services personnel who have direct patient contact with patients or infectious material.

4.      Children and young adults aged 6 months to 4 years.

5.      Children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.

 

            If you receive your H1N1 vaccination through the Health Department, there will be no charge for the vaccine or in the administration of the vaccine.  You may also receive the H1N1 vaccine from selected primary care physicians or local pharmacies; however, an administrative fee may be applied.

            Times and location are still in the planning stages for the H1N1 vaccination clinics. However, clinics have been established for the seasonal flu vaccinations.  While the seasonal flu vaccination does not protect you against the pandemic H1N1, it will help keep you healthy and fight off the seasonal flu.  To get vaccinated, individuals should contact their physician, pharmacy, or attend the Darke County General Health District’s Seasonal Flu Clinic, Thursday, October 1st at the VFW in Greenville.  The Health District has extended their hours this year to better serve the public. The hours are 8:00am to 1:00pm and 4:00pm to 7:00pm.  The cost is $20 to the general public.  Medicaid and regular Medicare is accepted, but you must bring your card.  Unfortunately, the Health Department cannot accept Medicare HMO’s.

            For additional information on flu clinics, contact the Health Department at 937-548-4196 ext 224.  For general information on H1N1, please visit the Ohio Department of Health’s website at www.odh.ohio.gov or the CDC’s website at www.flu.gov