h1n1 faq from town hall meeting at ncdhr

ASL Videos & Text (September 2009)

Click the link above to find out more about the questions asked and answered at our September Town Hall Meeting, including a link to the presentation given by Drs. Scott Smith and Michael McKee. LARGE PRINT

novel h1n1 (swine flu)

There is a lot of information about the H1N1 (Swine Flu) being shown on the news right now. Here are some useful points to help you better understand about this germ (virus) as well as how to take steps to minimize your risk to exposure of this germ. Do let your family, friends and co-workers know about these simple preventive steps on this website. If you are interested in learning more about H1N1 (Swine Flu), there are links on this webpage. LARGE PRINT TEXT

questions & answers (sept. 2009)

Question: What is H1N1 vaccine?
Answer: A H1N1 vaccine is a shot or nasal spray to prevent from getting the H1N1 flu. It helps your body build up your immune system to fight the H1N1 virus. Some people who get the vaccine may still get H1N1 flu, but will be much milder. LARGE PRINT TEXT

Question: When will the H1N1 vaccine be available?
Answer: H1N1 vaccine are expected to be available sometime in mid-October of this year. LARGE PRINT TEXT

Question: Who should get H1N1 vaccine?
Answer: The CDC is recommending that people who need to be vaccinated first before the rest of the population. They are: Pregnant women, people who take care of babies, the young (from 6 months to 24 years old), health care and emergency medical service workers, and people 24 years old and older who have chronic health problems. Call your doctor if you are one of these groups. LARGE PRINT TEXT

Question: If I get H1N1 vaccine, it will protect me from all influenzas?
Answer: No. H1N1 vaccine will not protect you from “seasonal flu” or “regular flu” which is a different flu virus from flu caused by H1N1 virus. Seasonal flu occurs every year, but the H1N1 flu is a new flu. That is why it is recommended you get vaccines, one for seasonal flu and one for H1N1 flu. LARGE PRINT TEXT

Question: Why are both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu serious illness?
Answer: Most of the serious (and sometimes fatal) cases of seasonal flu affects people 65 years and older. Many people exposed to H1N1 will have mild symptoms, however some serious (and sometimes fatal) cases of H1N1 affects younger people, mostly under age 50. LARGE PRINT TEXT

Question: When will the seasonal flu vaccine be available and can I get both seasonal and H1N1 vaccines at the same time?
Answer: Vaccines for seasonal Flu are now available. Check with your doctor, especially if you are an older person. You can take both seasonal Flu and H1N1 Flu vaccines at the same time, if they are available. Again, check with your doctor. LARGE PRINT TEXT

questions & answers (may 2009)

Question: What is Swine Flu?
Answer: Flu (also known as influenza) is caused by a group of viruses called influenza viruses. The Swine Flu is not the same type of flu (influenza) that we see every year during winter time. Swine Flu is a virus that usually causes respiratory illness in pigs. It is not a new virus. LARGE PRINT TEXT

Question: Why is Swine Flu happening now?
Answer: Flu viruses are known to change from time to time - this is called mutation. The Swine Flu has mutated making it easier to spread from person to person. Before the mutation, people only could get the Swine Flu from pigs. Due to the mutation, humans have not been exposed to this type of virus before. This means we do not have immunity against this type of virus. That is why it is receiving so much news now. LARGE PRINT TEXT

Question: Will the Flu Vaccine prevent Swine Flu?
Answer: Vaccines are available almost every year for the influenza flu, but not for the Swine Flu since it is so new (mutated virus). We currently do not have a vaccine that is effective for this virus. However, there are some antiviral medication which if given early can reduce the severity of the illness (see more below). LARGE PRINT TEXT

Question: What can you do to minimize the risk of getting exposed to Swine Flu? LARGE PRINT TEXT
Answers:
1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

4. Try to avoid contact with sick people. Flu is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing.

5. If you get sick, the health department recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. If you feel very sick, contact your doctor or 911.

6. If you have any questions or feel sick, please do not hesitate to contact your doctor!

Question: What is H1N1 Flu?
Answer: Some reports use the name "Novel H1N1 Flu" now. The word "novel" here means "new," so "Novel H1N1" is a new flu virus. This is the same flu that was at first called "Swine Flu." Scientists name flu viruses based on two proteins on the surface of a virus: abbreviated H-protein and N-protein. Different flu viruses have different types of H and N proteins (for example: Bird flu virus is labeled as H5N1). It is used to identify the type of virus to see if it is new. LARGE PRINT TEXT

Question: What is an Antiviral Medication?
Answer: It is a medication written by the doctor (Rx, prescription) to help reduce the symptoms of Swine Flu. It must be given early (24 to 48 hours) to be more effective. It is not a cure. It can be given to those who are exposed to Swine Flu. Doctors give this medication to those who get very sick (old, frail, multiple health problems, etc). Two common antiviral medications are: Tamiflu and Relenza. LARGE PRINT TEXT

h1n1 faq from town hall meeting at ncdhr

ASL Videos & Text (September 2009)

novel h1n1 (swine flu)

ASL Videos (September 2009)

ASL Videos (May 2009)

questions & answers (sept. 2009)

questions & answers (may 2009)

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