Nursing: Swin Flu Inofrmation

Download Questions and Answers about Swine Flu (PDF)

Download the information below in PDF

The Humboldt County School District (HCSD) and the Nevada

State Health Division (NSHD) continue to plan for the upcoming influenza season, including the expected return of the H1N1 strain. With the start of a new school year, the health division anticipates local outbreaks of influenza among children and other groups in close proximity. To date, there have been some laboratory-confirmed H1N1 cases in Humboldt County; however, the number of reported cases represents a small percentage of residents who have been infected with H1N1 as most do not seek medical care.

Through a computerized student health record system, HCSD is able to readily review the numbers of health office visits and the signs/symptoms of students who visit the health offices of any school.

According to the NSHD:

• Testing is not necessary for the readmission of children to school or daycare
• Laboratory confirmation of H1N1 is not necessary for the management of patients
• Patients should manage their illness as they would seasonal influenza
• Non-hospitalized patients with fever and respiratory illness are advised to stay at home at least 24 hours after fever is no longer present (unaided by anti-fever medication)
• The public is urged to continue practicing good health habits to prevent the spread of influenza. These include:

• 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.
• If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them,

To learn about updated interim guidance for schools and child care programs regarding the prevention of the spread of the illness, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/schools/.

Vaccines

This influenza season, two different flu immunizations will be available to protect against illness. There will a new H1N1 vaccine to protect against the new strain of H1N1 influenza A that will likely require two doses. There will also be a vaccine against the seasonal influenza strains that will require one dose for most people.
The state health division is planning for an H1N1 vaccination program with special immunization clinics. The health division anticipates the first H1N1 vaccine shipments will arrive locally in mid-October, and additional shipments will continue to be received through the end of the year. The initial shipments will have limited quantities and the health division will follow the CDC guidelines with regard to targeted groups. These are people who more frequently experience severe illness or complications when infected with H1N1 influenza. The CDC estimates that the H1N1 vaccine will likely require two doses to provide full coverage. Initial groups that are encouraged to receive the vaccine include:

• Pregnant women
• Caregivers or those who live with children less than six months old
• Health care workers and emergency response personnel
• Individuals between the ages of six months and 24 years old
• People between the ages of 25 and 64 with chronic medical conditions, compromised immune systems, and who are at a higher risk of complications from H1N1 infection.

In the event initial supplies of the H1N1 vaccine are limited, the CDC has recommended that the group of people recommended to be immunized first should be further limited to include:

• Pregnant women
• Caregivers or those who live with children less than six months old
• Healthcare workers and emergency response personnel
• Children between the ages of six months and 4 years old
• Children between the ages of five and 18 who have chronic medical conditions.

As more vaccine supply is delivered, additional immunization clinics will be announced. The health division also reminds Nevadans about the importance of getting the seasonal flu vaccine to protect against the other strains that will be circulating at the same time.

Seasonal influenza vaccine will be available community wide through physicians’ offices, clinics and pharmacies. There are no anticipated shortages of seasonal influenza vaccine. People should contact their physicians or healthcare providers if they have any questions.

School Closures

The CDC recently revised its guidelines regarding school closures as a method to prevent the spread of H1N1 or any other type of influenza. In accordance with these new guidelines, Nevada guidance regarding school closures will assume schools will remain open following the confirmation of an H1N1 case among students.

Updated information regarding H1N1 is available on the Nevada State Health Division web site www.flu.nv.gov as well as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site, www.cdc.gov/h1n1/flu .