What is Seasonal Influenza? Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. What can I do to prevent from getting Seasonal Influenza? Take time to get vaccinated. We currently have flu vaccine available in our office. No appointment is neccesaary. First come first serve basis. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue In the trash after you use it. 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 or mouth. Germs spread this way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. What are the symptoms of Seasonal Influenza? Fever (usually above 100.5) Headache Extreme tiredness Dry cough Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Muscle aches Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults. While getting a flu vaccine each year is the best way to protect against flu, influenza antiviral drugs can fight against influenza, offering a second line of defense against the flu. For more information on the symptoms please visit Fight the Flu. What do I do if I think I have Seasonal Influenza? Most healthy people recover from the flu without complications. If you get the flu: Stay home from work or school. Get lots of rest, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. There are over-the-counter (OTC) medications to relieve the symptoms of the flu. Remember that serious illness from the flu is more likely in certain groups of people including people 65 and older, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions and young children. Consult your doctor early on for the best treatment, but also be aware of emergency warning signs that require urgent medical attention. What is H1N1 influenza? H1N1 influenza (previously referred to as "swine flu") is a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza viruses. Beginning in April 2009, several thousand cases of human infection with H1N1 influenza reported around the world led to the World Health Organization declaring an influenza pandemic in June 2009. How is H1N1 influenza spread? H1N1 influenza is spread like seasonal flu, when a person coughs or sneezes, sending contaminated respiratory droplets into the air where another person may inhale them. Sometime people may become infected by touching a contaminated surface or object, and then touching their own eyes, nose or mouth. What are the symptoms of H1N1 influenza? The symptoms of H1N1 influenza are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu, and may include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, runny or stuffy nose and tiredness. Some people also report having nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Although the cases of H1N1 in 2009 have so far been mostly mild, it was fatal in a small percentage of people. The virus appears to affect pregnant women, young children and people with obesity. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 may cause underlying chronic medical conditions to worsen. Who is at risk for getting H1N1 influenza? In early 2009 the H1N1 influenza virus began to pass easily from person-to-person when an infected person had close contact with another person, A person who has H1N1 influenza may be able to infect other people from one day before his/her symptoms develop to seven days after symptoms begin. What is the best way to protect myself against H1N1 influenza? Health officials encourage community members to protect themselves by following proven disease prevention methods, which include- Frequent hand washing with soap and water, Keeping a distance of at least six feet from people who are sick, and Maintaining a healthy lifestyle in order to build up the immune system. Individuals who are sick are encouraged to protect their family and their community by - Staying home when they are sick or have a fever, Covering their cough or sneeze, and Avoiding sharing personal items such as utensils, drinks or a toothbrush. What should I do if I develop symptoms of H1N1 influenza? People who develop flu-like symptoms should contact their health care provider. How is H1N1 influenza treated? Two antiviral medications have proven to be effective against H1N1 influenza and may be prescribed by an individual's health care provider. Hand washing and sneezing tips. H1N1 informational video. |
Seasonal & H1N1 Influenza
PCHD
Welcome to the Putnam County Health Department.
Related Links
CDC
Fight the Flu MO
DHSS
Important Information
Putnam County Health
Department has the
following available to
all residents:
FLU MIST:
Everyone from 2-49
who is healthy and not
pregnant.
INJECTIONS:
Pregnant women
People who live with
or provide care for
infants younger than 6
months of age
Health care and
emergency medical
services personnel
For all citizens
wishing to have an
injection over the age
of 49 and not eligible
for the Mist.
***************************
Putnam County Health
Department is working
closely with various
community partners
this influenza season.
Please contact us or
your primary care
physician if you have
questions.
***************************
The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration and the
Federal Trade
Commission are
alerting the public to be
wary of Internet sites
and other promotions
for products that claim
to diagnose, prevent,
mitigate, treat or cure
the 2009 H1N1
influenza virus. The
agencies are also
advising operators of
offending web sites
that they must take
prompt action to
correct and/or remove
promotions of these
fraudulent products or
face enforcement
action.
For more information
please click here.
***************************
Missouri residents can
call a new toll-free
number for information
about the H1N1 flu,
from symptoms and
basic medical advice
to the availability of the
new H1N1 vaccine.
The number, 1-877-FLU-
4141 (1-877-358-4141),
will be answered 24
hours a day, seven
days a week.
Specialists with the
H1N1 InfoLine will
answer questions
about flu symptoms,
when to seek medical
care and ways to limit
the spread of the flu,
including the new
vaccine. Medical
professionals will be
available to assist the
specialists with
callers’ questions.
The information line is
sponsored by the
Missouri Department
of Health and Senior
Services.
CDC
Fight the Flu MO
DHSS
Important Information
Putnam County Health
Department has the
following available to
all residents:
FLU MIST:
Everyone from 2-49
who is healthy and not
pregnant.
INJECTIONS:
Pregnant women
People who live with
or provide care for
infants younger than 6
months of age
Health care and
emergency medical
services personnel
For all citizens
wishing to have an
injection over the age
of 49 and not eligible
for the Mist.
***************************
Putnam County Health
Department is working
closely with various
community partners
this influenza season.
Please contact us or
your primary care
physician if you have
questions.
***************************
The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration and the
Federal Trade
Commission are
alerting the public to be
wary of Internet sites
and other promotions
for products that claim
to diagnose, prevent,
mitigate, treat or cure
the 2009 H1N1
influenza virus. The
agencies are also
advising operators of
offending web sites
that they must take
prompt action to
correct and/or remove
promotions of these
fraudulent products or
face enforcement
action.
For more information
please click here.
***************************
Missouri residents can
call a new toll-free
number for information
about the H1N1 flu,
from symptoms and
basic medical advice
to the availability of the
new H1N1 vaccine.
The number, 1-877-FLU-
4141 (1-877-358-4141),
will be answered 24
hours a day, seven
days a week.
Specialists with the
H1N1 InfoLine will
answer questions
about flu symptoms,
when to seek medical
care and ways to limit
the spread of the flu,
including the new
vaccine. Medical
professionals will be
available to assist the
specialists with
callers’ questions.
The information line is
sponsored by the
Missouri Department
of Health and Senior
Services.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |