At this time, the Amherst Health Department has received only 2/3 of its allocation of state-funded flu vaccine, and every available dose was administered to seniors at our recent flu clinic.
In terms of flu vaccine for employees, the delivery of flu vaccine purchased by the town has been delayed. When the doses do arrive, public safety and public works employees will have priority prior to dispensing to other town employees.
Based on the delay, we would encourage all employees to seek flu vaccine from their medical providers, public clinics, pharmacies, and other venues offering the vaccine. Please visit this website (http://flu.masspro.org/clinic) for information on finding a flu clinic near you.
Thank you, and please stay tuned for more information.
Showing posts with label influenza. Show all posts
Showing posts with label influenza. Show all posts
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Flu Care for the 2009-2010 Flu Season
As you know, we are gearing up for a potentially extraordinary flu season. With the emergence of H1N1 influenza, we are fairly certain to see increased illness and absenteeism. We would like to share with you some ways to care for yourself and your family.
Follow these steps to protect your family from the flu and H1N1:
1) Practice good hand hygiene: frequent and thorough handwashing is the #1 way to prevent the spread of illness. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
2) Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette: sneeze and cough into a tissue or the crook of your elbow or sleeve rather than into your hand. Wash your hands thoroughly after blowing your nose or using a tissue.
3) Cleaning: use regular household cleaners to clean surfaces that might get flu virus on them.
4) Avoidance: avoid close physical contact with people who are sick. People with young children, weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions should avoid large crowds.
5) Stay home: if you have a fever, stay home until you have been free of fever for at least 24 hours after your last dose of fever-reducing medication (like Tylenol or Advil). For most people, this will mean staying home for an average of four days. If you do not have a fever but are coughing and sneezing and otherwise very ill, you should also stay home. Calling a medical provider is not necessary unless you are at risk for complications from an underlying illness.
6) Know the flu: unlike the common cold (which begins slowly and insidiously), the flu tends to hit you like a truck, and you begin to feel very ill in a matter of minutes or hours. One of the cardinal signs of flu is intense muscle and joint aches. If you have these symptoms but are free of fever, you may still have the flu, so stay at home until you feel better!
Although seasonal flu and H1N1 influenza have the same symptoms, they appear to affect different segments of the population. While seasonal flu generally impacts the elderly, the young and the chronically ill, the median age of those seriously affected by H1N1 is 14. Both illnesses generally cause similar symptoms (ie: fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, chills, etc), It is still unknown how widespread and virulent H1N1 will be this winter.
Both H1N1 and seasonal flu can be spread easily from person to person via droplets of saliva and mucous that come out of the nose and mouth when someone coughs, sneezes, or blows their nose. If you are close enough to someone (3-6 feet) with the flu, the potential for you to catch the flu from them if they sneeze or cough is great. Symptoms usually start 1-4 days after a person inhales the virus.
Droplets from an infectious person which come into contact with a non-porous surface are indeed infectious. However, once the droplets dry, the virus dies. Certain “high touch” areas like doorknobs, computer keyboards, faucets, banisters and handrails do require extra attention and vigilance.
Regular flu vaccine will hopefully be widely available later this fall and winter, and we encourage everyone who is eligible to seek out vaccination against seasonal influenza.
In terms of the H1N1 vaccine, there will be a vaccine available within the next few months. Due to the nature of this particular illness, the following groups will be targeted for vaccination against H1N1:
More information:
For more information, please call the Amherst Health Department at 259-3077.
You can also visit our blog at http://amhersthealth.blogspot.com/ and our employee wellness blog at http://amherstwellness.blogspot.com/
Other websites:
www.mass.gov/flu
www.cdc.gov/flu
http://www.flu.gov/
Follow these steps to protect your family from the flu and H1N1:
1) Practice good hand hygiene: frequent and thorough handwashing is the #1 way to prevent the spread of illness. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
2) Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette: sneeze and cough into a tissue or the crook of your elbow or sleeve rather than into your hand. Wash your hands thoroughly after blowing your nose or using a tissue.
3) Cleaning: use regular household cleaners to clean surfaces that might get flu virus on them.
4) Avoidance: avoid close physical contact with people who are sick. People with young children, weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions should avoid large crowds.
5) Stay home: if you have a fever, stay home until you have been free of fever for at least 24 hours after your last dose of fever-reducing medication (like Tylenol or Advil). For most people, this will mean staying home for an average of four days. If you do not have a fever but are coughing and sneezing and otherwise very ill, you should also stay home. Calling a medical provider is not necessary unless you are at risk for complications from an underlying illness.
6) Know the flu: unlike the common cold (which begins slowly and insidiously), the flu tends to hit you like a truck, and you begin to feel very ill in a matter of minutes or hours. One of the cardinal signs of flu is intense muscle and joint aches. If you have these symptoms but are free of fever, you may still have the flu, so stay at home until you feel better!
Although seasonal flu and H1N1 influenza have the same symptoms, they appear to affect different segments of the population. While seasonal flu generally impacts the elderly, the young and the chronically ill, the median age of those seriously affected by H1N1 is 14. Both illnesses generally cause similar symptoms (ie: fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, chills, etc), It is still unknown how widespread and virulent H1N1 will be this winter.
Both H1N1 and seasonal flu can be spread easily from person to person via droplets of saliva and mucous that come out of the nose and mouth when someone coughs, sneezes, or blows their nose. If you are close enough to someone (3-6 feet) with the flu, the potential for you to catch the flu from them if they sneeze or cough is great. Symptoms usually start 1-4 days after a person inhales the virus.
Droplets from an infectious person which come into contact with a non-porous surface are indeed infectious. However, once the droplets dry, the virus dies. Certain “high touch” areas like doorknobs, computer keyboards, faucets, banisters and handrails do require extra attention and vigilance.
Regular flu vaccine will hopefully be widely available later this fall and winter, and we encourage everyone who is eligible to seek out vaccination against seasonal influenza.
In terms of the H1N1 vaccine, there will be a vaccine available within the next few months. Due to the nature of this particular illness, the following groups will be targeted for vaccination against H1N1:
- Pregnant women
- Those who live with or care for infants 6 months and younger (including all household members and caregivers)
- Emergency medical personnel and health care providers
- Individuals between 6 months of age and 24 years of age
- Individuals between 24 and 64 years of age who have an underlying chronic illness which makes them susceptible to complications from influenza
- Those 65 and older are currently not recognized as a high-risk group for H1N1 influenza.
More information:
For more information, please call the Amherst Health Department at 259-3077.
You can also visit our blog at http://amhersthealth.blogspot.com/ and our employee wellness blog at http://amherstwellness.blogspot.com/
Other websites:
www.mass.gov/flu
www.cdc.gov/flu
http://www.flu.gov/
Monday, August 10, 2009
New CDC Recommendations for People with Flu-Like Illness
On August 5, the CDC revised its recommendation about how long people with flu-like illness should stay home and away from other people to prevent spreading the flu. CDC now recommends that those with flu-like illness stay home until at least 24 hours after their fever is gone, without using fever-reducing medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
This information is important for Town of Amherst employees, and we will be communicating more information about this issue in the coming weeks and months.
Previously, CDC had recommended that people stay home for seven days after they became ill or 24 hours after they had no symptoms, whichever was longer. The change in recommendation is based on what we learned about the new H1N1 virus during spring 2009 and is designed to decrease the risk of spreading the flu while also reducing the disruption to society caused by people staying home for long periods.
During spring 2009, most people infected with the new H1N1 flu had fevers for 2-4 days. By tailoring the recommendation to how long someone with flu has a fever, people with less severe illnesses will be able to return to their daily lives sooner, while also protecting others from the flu during their most contagious period.
The new recommendation applies to camps, schools, businesses and other community settings where most people are not at high risk for flu complications. It does not apply to healthcare settings.
The recommendations for healthcare remain at 7 days after symptoms began or until all symptoms are gone, whichever is longer.
The guidance applies to all people who have the flu or flu-like illness, even if they are taking antiviral drugs. It’s important that those with flu-like illness stay home while sick, except to seek medical care, and avoid contact with other people. People give off more flu virus when they have a fever. So staying home during this time will be especially important to not spread the flu to friends, co-workers and fellow students.
Even when fever has subsided, people can continue giving off the flu virus. They should take steps to protect others, like voiding close contact with people they know are at high risk of flu complications, frequently washing hands and covering their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing.
Because not everyone ill with the new H1N1 flu will have a fever, it is important for everyone to wash their hands frequently and follow good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette so they don’t unknowingly infect others.
If you have any questions, or are unsure whether you should stay home from work or not, please call your healthcare provider or the town's Public Health Nurse at extension 3077.
This information is important for Town of Amherst employees, and we will be communicating more information about this issue in the coming weeks and months.
Previously, CDC had recommended that people stay home for seven days after they became ill or 24 hours after they had no symptoms, whichever was longer. The change in recommendation is based on what we learned about the new H1N1 virus during spring 2009 and is designed to decrease the risk of spreading the flu while also reducing the disruption to society caused by people staying home for long periods.
During spring 2009, most people infected with the new H1N1 flu had fevers for 2-4 days. By tailoring the recommendation to how long someone with flu has a fever, people with less severe illnesses will be able to return to their daily lives sooner, while also protecting others from the flu during their most contagious period.
The new recommendation applies to camps, schools, businesses and other community settings where most people are not at high risk for flu complications. It does not apply to healthcare settings.
The recommendations for healthcare remain at 7 days after symptoms began or until all symptoms are gone, whichever is longer.
The guidance applies to all people who have the flu or flu-like illness, even if they are taking antiviral drugs. It’s important that those with flu-like illness stay home while sick, except to seek medical care, and avoid contact with other people. People give off more flu virus when they have a fever. So staying home during this time will be especially important to not spread the flu to friends, co-workers and fellow students.
Even when fever has subsided, people can continue giving off the flu virus. They should take steps to protect others, like voiding close contact with people they know are at high risk of flu complications, frequently washing hands and covering their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing.
Because not everyone ill with the new H1N1 flu will have a fever, it is important for everyone to wash their hands frequently and follow good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette so they don’t unknowingly infect others.
If you have any questions, or are unsure whether you should stay home from work or not, please call your healthcare provider or the town's Public Health Nurse at extension 3077.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Swine Flu Update
The Amherst Public Health Department would like residents, business owners, and town employees to know that we are monitoring the current swine flu outbreak very closely and will keep the public informed of changes and new alerts as they happen.
Yesterday, Health Department staff participated in a conference call with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in which we were given updates on the current situation, as well as the response being mounted by the state. We are confident that DPH, the CDC, and other players in the public health arena are responding appropriately and swiftly, and we are in frequent contact with state officials as they disseminate new information to local boards of health, schools, and municipal governments.
While this is not a time for panic, it is indeed a time for vigilance and circumspectful caution, and we encourage residents, visitors and business owners to practice the same precautions that would be in place during the regular flu season. Avoid holding, hugging, kissing, or shaking hands with anyone who has a cold or the flu. Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes without first washing your hands. Also avoid touching things like doorknobs, door handles, faucets and telephones that infected individuals might also use.
If you or someone you know exhibits signs of flu (fever, shortness of breath, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, or other symptoms), do not go to work, school or public recreational activities. Call your health care provider, describe your symptoms, and stay home for at least 7 days to rest and keep hydrated. If your fever rises or symptoms worsen, cover your nose and mouth with a mask and seek attention at a doctor's office or emergency room.
Children, the elderly and the chronically ill can be especially vulnerable to flu-like illnesses, so take extra precautions with these family members. If any ill person develops chest pain, purple or blue discoloration of the lips, vomiting, signs of dehydration (like dizziness, absence of urination, or lack of tears in infants), or seizures, seek medical attention immediately.
For more information about swine flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's swine flu website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/, or call the Health Department at 259-3077.
Yesterday, Health Department staff participated in a conference call with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in which we were given updates on the current situation, as well as the response being mounted by the state. We are confident that DPH, the CDC, and other players in the public health arena are responding appropriately and swiftly, and we are in frequent contact with state officials as they disseminate new information to local boards of health, schools, and municipal governments.
While this is not a time for panic, it is indeed a time for vigilance and circumspectful caution, and we encourage residents, visitors and business owners to practice the same precautions that would be in place during the regular flu season. Avoid holding, hugging, kissing, or shaking hands with anyone who has a cold or the flu. Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes without first washing your hands. Also avoid touching things like doorknobs, door handles, faucets and telephones that infected individuals might also use.
If you or someone you know exhibits signs of flu (fever, shortness of breath, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, or other symptoms), do not go to work, school or public recreational activities. Call your health care provider, describe your symptoms, and stay home for at least 7 days to rest and keep hydrated. If your fever rises or symptoms worsen, cover your nose and mouth with a mask and seek attention at a doctor's office or emergency room.
Children, the elderly and the chronically ill can be especially vulnerable to flu-like illnesses, so take extra precautions with these family members. If any ill person develops chest pain, purple or blue discoloration of the lips, vomiting, signs of dehydration (like dizziness, absence of urination, or lack of tears in infants), or seizures, seek medical attention immediately.
For more information about swine flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's swine flu website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/, or call the Health Department at 259-3077.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Flu Vaccine Still Available in Amherst
The Amherst Health Department currently has approximately 8 doses of flu vaccine available for any citizen (4 years of age and older) who is seeking vaccination. With the influenza season still not at its peak, we continue to recommend vaccination even into late February or early March. If demand should spike, we will most likely have access to more vaccine from the State of Massachusetts.
Please call the Health Department at 259-3161 if you are interested in receiving a flu vaccine.
Please call the Health Department at 259-3161 if you are interested in receiving a flu vaccine.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Influenza on the Rise in Massachusetts
Influenza activity is on the rise in Massachusetts, and the flu season has actually not yet peaked, so there's still time to get a flu vaccine if you want one!
If you have already been vaccinated but want to protect yourself further, thorough and frequent handwashing for your entire family is one of the most important things that you can do to prevent the spread of illness. You don't need to purchase expensive antibacterial soaps, since these soaps have actually been shown to increase the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in communites where they are widely used. Simply scrub your hands together with any basic soap for approximately 20 seconds (or about as long as it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song).
Also, practice good cough and sneeze hygeine by bringing your arm in front of your face before sneezing, and sealing your mouth in the crook of your elbow. Sneezing into your hand obviously will soil your hand unnecessarily and put others at risk. This practice also allows a great deal more of the droplets being propelled forcefully from your mouth into the air where others might be exposed to them. Wash your hands especially well after sneezing and coughing, and try not to share towels and other personal hygeine items with others who might be infected.
If anyone in your home becomes ill with the flu, check the CDC's Flu website for information on self care, or contact the Amherst Health Department at 413-259-3077. The Health Department has brochures about caring for people with flu, and these are available in English, Portuguese, Spanish and Chinese.
If you have already been vaccinated but want to protect yourself further, thorough and frequent handwashing for your entire family is one of the most important things that you can do to prevent the spread of illness. You don't need to purchase expensive antibacterial soaps, since these soaps have actually been shown to increase the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in communites where they are widely used. Simply scrub your hands together with any basic soap for approximately 20 seconds (or about as long as it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song).
Also, practice good cough and sneeze hygeine by bringing your arm in front of your face before sneezing, and sealing your mouth in the crook of your elbow. Sneezing into your hand obviously will soil your hand unnecessarily and put others at risk. This practice also allows a great deal more of the droplets being propelled forcefully from your mouth into the air where others might be exposed to them. Wash your hands especially well after sneezing and coughing, and try not to share towels and other personal hygeine items with others who might be infected.
If anyone in your home becomes ill with the flu, check the CDC's Flu website for information on self care, or contact the Amherst Health Department at 413-259-3077. The Health Department has brochures about caring for people with flu, and these are available in English, Portuguese, Spanish and Chinese.
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