What You Should Know About the H1N1 Influenza A Virus
For your convenience, the Wayne County Department of Public Health
Pre-registration Immunization Consent Form has been made available in the
section below. You may print/complete the form for each family member and
bring the forms with you to help expedite your vaccination clinic visit.
Please
note that completion of the form does not guarantee vaccination.
Pre-Registration H1N1 Mass Vaccination Consent Form
FDA Warns of Unapproved and Illegal H1N1 Drug Products Purchased Over the Internet
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today warned consumers to use extreme care when purchasing any products over the Internet that claim to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure the H1N1 influenza virus. The warning comes after the FDA recently purchased and analyzed several products represented online as Tamiflu (oseltamivir), which may pose risks to patients.
Click here to read more.
H1N1 Influenza A (also known as Swine Flu)
Wayne County Department of Public Health officials are closely monitoring the H1N1
influenza situation and preparing for the fall to winter 2009-2010 flu season. This
website page will be updated as specific information becomes available.
What is H1N1 Influenza A (Swine Flu)?
H1N1 flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that
cause regular outbreaks in pigs. Since the first cases in April 2009, the virus
has moved from pigs to humans, resulting in the current pandemic state due to sustained
person-to-person transmission in humans.
Why is H1N1 Influenza A different from Seasonal Flu?
It is a new strain of the virus to which humans do not have immunity. Individuals
who received immunizations last fall or this winter do not offer protection against
the H1N1 (swine) flu.
Signs/Symptoms of H1N1 Influenza A
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore Throat
- Vomiting
- Body Aches
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
How Does H1N1 Influenza A spread?
H1N1 Influenza A is thought to be spread in the same way that the seasonal flu spreads.
Transmission is mainly from person-to-person when an infected individual coughs
or sneezes and spreads tiny particles in the air. Sometimes, the virus is spread
by touching a surface or object with the flu virus on it, and then touching the
mouth, nose or ears.
How long can an Infected Person Spread it to Others?
The virus can be spread to others for up to seven days after they become ill. Children
and infants may be contagious for longer periods.
H1N1 Influenza A Vaccine
The H1N1 Novel Influenza A vaccine is currently being developed. It is expected
to be available this fall and quantities will be provided to the Wayne County Department
of Public Health for distribution to vaccinate Wayne County residents.
Targeted Populations for the H1N1 Influenza A Vaccine
Targeted populations have been identified by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) for recommended immunization with the H1N1 Influenza A vaccine,
when available. These priority groups are:
-- Pregnant women
-- Household Contacts of Children less than 6 months of age
-- Individuals 6 months to 24 years of age
-- Adults 25 to 64 years of age with underlying medical conditions
-- Essential Personnel (police, fire, etc.) / Health Care workers.
Fall Vaccination Schedule Planning Underway
The Wayne County Department of Public Health is actively planning vaccination efforts
for the 2009-2010 flu season. There will be two separate vaccines: one for the seasonal
influenza and another vaccine (multiple dose) for the H1N1 Influenza A. The seasonal flu
vaccine is expected to be available first for vaccination to the public.
2009-2010 Wayne County Department of Public Health Flu Vaccination Clinics
Schedules for Wayne County Department of Public Health flu vaccination clinics for
Wayne County residents will be posted on this page when dates/locations are finalized.
Mass H1N1 Flu Vaccination Clinic
H1N1 Health Department Locations
H1N1 Clinic Schedule
Community Health Partner Walk-in Clinics
H1N1 Flu Clinic Flyers
Things You Can Do to Fight the Spread of Seasonal Flu and H1N1 Influenza A
24-Hour Wayne County Seasonal Flu/H1N1 Information Line:
734-727-7163
- Get the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines.
- Stay home from work or school when sick.
- Cover mouth and nose with tissue when coughing and sneezing, and dispose of tissue
in wastebasket.
- Cleanse surfaces that are handled regularly with disinfectant.
- Practice proper handwashing and cleansing with soap and water, and hand sanitizer.
- Ensure that sink locations in restrooms are stocked with soap, paper towels or working
hand dryers.
For more information, contact the Wayne County Department of Public Health at (734) 727-7000.
Resources
For more information on staying healthy during the 2009-2010 flu season, visit:
Information for Providers
Downloads