What To Do About The Flu
H1N1 Vaccination Opens to All Iowans .... Sufficient supplies of H1N1 vaccine have been created to make it available to the general public.
Residents may call 682-5434 to schedule an appointment for H1N1 vaccination at Wapello County Public Health. The H1N1 vaccine is provided free of charge at the Wapello County Public Health Office at 108 E. Main Street.
Wapello County Public Health continues to encourage those at highest risk of complications to make sure they are vaccinated. Children who are 9 years of age and under should be sure they receive two doses of the H1N1 vaccine in order to provide complete protection against the virus.
While Iowa continues to see a decline in influenza-like illness, H1N1 continues to circulate in Iowa. Public health officials predict another wave of H1N1 illness will occur after the holidays. This would coincide with what is typically the time Iowa sees the highest rates of influenza activity in January and February. Being immunized as soon as possible will get Wapello County residents protection against this possible third wave of illness. It will also prevent them from spreading this virus to others. Being immunized now will offer protection over the holidays, when many residents travel.
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Symptoms of H1N1 influenza are similar to seasonal flu and include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people with H1N1 flu may also have diarrhea and vomit. Because H1N1 is spread by person-to-person contact, it is important for students who are ill to stay home from school until their cough significantly improves and they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
A statewide toll-free hotline has been established for public questions about seasonal and H1N1 influenza at 1-800-447-1985. More information can also be found at www.idph.state.ia.us .
Public health is working hard to keep people from getting both seasonal influenza and novel influenza A (H1N1). While lots of activity is being done at the local, state and national level to keep us all healthy - YOUR ACTIONS will have the biggest impact on keeping your family, friends, and other Iowans healthy.
Get the seasonal influenza vaccine, and when appropriate, be vaccinated for the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. Most importantly, remember the three C's:
Clean your hands frequently;
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve; and
Contain germs by staying home when ill.
Thanks for doing your part to keep all of us healthy this fall and winter.
For additional information call the toll-free Influenza Hotline at 1-800-447-1985,
or check out the links below....