H1N1 Hotline
The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) has developed an H1N1 hotline phone number for Georgia citizens. The H1N1 hotline phone number is 1-888-H1N1-INFO. The hotline is operational from 8 a.m. to midnight seven days a week.
H1N1 Vaccine
H1N1 flu vaccine now available through Fulton health departments for children ages 2-4 years, and healthy children/young adults ages 4-24 years.
· Information from the Fulton County Dept. of Health and Wellness
· Poster
· Injectible vaccine now available
Update on National H1N1 Activity
Currently, the Centers for Disease Control is reporting for the week of March
7-13, 2010, flu activity in the United States was relatively low, with most of
the flu virus continuing to be caused by the 2009 H1N1. H1N1 and/or seasonal flu
activity is expected to continue for several more weeks. Moreover, it’s
possible that the United States could experience another wave of flu activity
caused by either the 2009 H1N1 or seasonal influenza.
As you may recall, the
United States began seeing H1N1 cases in April 2009. In the past, flu pandemics have been known to peak in
the month of February. Although the 2009 H1N1 cases have decreased, overall it
is still circulating and significantly affecting people younger that 25 years of
age (Georgia Department of Community Health).
In the last
month, many Georgia school nurses have reported cases and Dr. Pat O'Neal, Director of Georgia Department of
Community Health has shared on several local news stations about the increased
number of persons experiencing flu-like illnesses. Therefore, the Georgia Department of Community
Health is encouraging everyone to do their part in helping to prevent a third
wave of the 2009 H1N1 virus from occurring by getting vaccinated and continuing
to take the appropriate preventive
measures.
The majority of
those at high risk of complication from the 2009 H1N1 flu virus are individuals
between the ages of 6 months to 24 years of age. The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) recommends if you are a parent of a child six months to
nine years of age, your child should receive two doses of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine
to ensure immunity from the flu virus.
The 2009
H1N1 vaccine is now available to anyone who would like to receive it, and it is
highly recommended for the following individuals:
- Children
between the ages of six months and nine years of age
- Pregnant
women
- People who live
with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age
- Anyone from 6
months to 24 years of age
- Anyone aged 25 to 64
with underlying medical conditions that put them at risk for flu-related
complications
Preventive Measures - take everyday actions to stay
healthy:
- 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. If soap
and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs
spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you
stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from
infecting them.
Web resources:
· Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu
· U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: www.flu.gov
· Georgia Department of Community Health: http://www.dch.georgia.gov/
· GDCH’s Division of Public Health: www.health.state.ga.us
· Georgia Consumer Health Care Info: http://www.georgiahealthinfo.gov/
· Roll Up Your Sleeve campaign: Georgia Department of Community Health
· Seasonal and Novel H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Parents: Centers for Disease Control
Past updates from the 2009-10 school year:
· September 1, 2009 (English)
- Korean, Portuguese and Spanish translations
· August 2009/Back-to-School (English)
- Korean, Portuguese and Spanish translations
