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This "Today's Health" video from Blue Ridge Cable 11
in Ephrata features Dr. Christpher Hager of Lincoln
Family Medicine, Lancaster General Health. Dr. Hager
discusses seasonal and H1N1 flu, its symptoms, prevention
and treatment. |
Lancaster General Health is making every effort to keep you informed about the latest developments about the seasonal and H1N1 influenzas. This flu season is different because of the presence of both seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses and can cause mild to severe illness, and sometimes death. The 2009 H1N1 flu virus is a new virus strain that is different from the seasonal flu virus and requires a separate vaccination.
PLEASE STAY HOME and avoid contact with other people except to seek medical care. Staying at home is one of the best ways to keep the flu from spreading. The Centers for Prevention and Disease Control (CDC) recommend staying home at least 24 hours after the fever is gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®. Drink plenty of clear fluids(such as water, broth, sports drinks, and electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from becoming dehydrated. Get plenty of rest.
According to the CDC, you should not go to the emergency room if you are only mildly ill.
If you go to the emergency room and you are not sick with the flu, you may catch it from people who do have it. If you get sick with flu symptoms and are at high risk of flu complications or you are concerned about your illness, call your health care provider for advice, or if necessary, go to the emergency room.
If symptoms worsen, medical care may be needed. For a child, this means he or she is: Having trouble breathing; has bluish or gray skin color; is not drinking enough fluids; has severe vomiting; is not waking up; is too irritable to be held; or if the flu-like symptoms improve and then get worse again.
Adults should seek medical care if they have trouble breathing, have severe pain or pressure in the chest or stomach, are suddenly dizzy or confused or if flu-like symptoms improve and then worsen.
Both seasonal and H1N1 flu can cause fever, coughing and/or a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and/or body aches, chills and fatigue. In addition, H1N1 can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- C. Take flu antiviral drugs if recommended by your healthcare provider
Click here to download the CDC flu flyer and post in your home, business, school or community organization.
Seasonal Vaccine
H1N1 Vaccine
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is coordinating distribution of the H1N1 vaccine. Appointments can be made 24 hours a day at
www.H1N1inPA.com under “What’s Hot.” Appointments also may be made by calling 1-877-PA HEALTH (1-877-724-3258).
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is coordinating distribution of the H1N1 vaccination. You should contact your physician or your child’s school district regarding availability of the vaccine Lancaster General Health is following the Department of Health guidelines by immunizing highest priority groups of healthcare staff, physicians and patients as supplies are received.
The seasonal flu vaccine will not provide protection against the H1N1 influenza. The H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine – it is intended to be used along-side seasonal flu vaccine.
For up-to-date information about the flu visit http://www.flu.gov/
Roseville Pediatrics also provides updates on their vaccination schedule for both H1N1 and seasonal flu virus vaccines.
Click here to visit their main page for the latest information about availablility.
Last update: 01/04/2010