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Update on the Flu
While flu activity remains relatively low nationally, the Southeast is experiencing increases in activity, according to the March 14-20, 2010 FluView (www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu). Most flu continues to be 2009 H1N1. Flu activity, caused by either 2009 H1N1 or seasonal flu viruses, may rise and fall, but is expected to continue for weeks. For the week ending 3/20 there were no new confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations in Colorado. The cumulative total remains at 2,029 hospitalizations from 55 counties. No new adult or pediatric deaths were reported for the week ending 3/20. A cumulative number of 69 deaths (12 pediatric and 57 adult) have been reported this season. Of the 69 deaths 84% had underlying conditions. The Delta County Health Department advises practicing the following prevention steps during this flu season.
Protect Yourself from the Flu
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder; not into your hands.
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Stay home when you are sick for at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever or signs of a fever (without the use of fever reducing medicine).
- Get your family vaccinated for seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 Flu when vaccines are available.
See also our Flu Fact Sheet.
Delta County H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Availability
Delta County Residents should plan to receive the H1N1 vaccination from their health care provider.
If your Doctor is listed below, please call their office to schedule your H1N1 vaccine for you or your child.
· Cedaredge Doctors
· Delta Family Physicians
· Delta Pediatrics
· Garrard, Jacqueline MD
· Grand Mesa Family Practice
· Internal Medicine Associates of Delta
· North Fork Medical Clinic
· Smith, Serena, MD
· Stoney Mesa Family Practice
· Surface Creek Family Practice
If your doctor is not listed above or you do not have a physician at this time, call the Delta County Health Department for you or your child. An appointment is required; please call 874-2177 to schedule your appointment.
H1N1 Vaccination
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommends that public health agencies and health care providers make 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccinations available to all Coloradans. While most Coloradans can receive the vaccine, people who should not receive the influenza vaccine include:
· People allergic to eggs and persons who have had a severe reaction to a previous flu vaccination,
· People who got Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of getting an influenza vaccine,
· Children less than 6 months of age, or
· People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated).
H1N1 Partners
The Delta County Health Department is working closely with the Delta County School District. A reporting system for influenza like illness absentees is taking place with the schools in the district.
The Delta County Health Department is also working closely with other community health care partners such as the Delta County Memorial Hospital and Doctor's offices around the county, to ensure that Delta County residents have access to the vaccine.
Links
To assess your flu symptoms and find out when to seek medical care:
https://www.amafluhelp.org/Public/Consumer/Home.aspx
A guide on caring for a sick family member at home is now available at the Health Department, or download here:
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/epr/Public/H1N1/HomeHealthcare/CDPHE_HomeCareGuide.pdf
For updated U.S. information:
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
www.flu.gov
For updated Colorado information:
H1N1 Influenza Vaccination and Seniors Q&A
www.cdphe.state.co.us/epr/H1N1.html
www.readycolorado.com
The Colorado Help Line is also available to answer questions about the H1N1 flu outbreak. Information is available in English and Spanish by calling 1-877-462-2911.
Posters:
Fight the Flu--For Kids
Fight the Flu--For General Public
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