After providing over twenty H1N1 Influenza vaccination clinics in November & December, the Macoupin County Public Health Department still has a large supply of H1N1 vaccine left. Throughout the entire set of clinics, not one adverse reaction has occurred with either nasal or injectable vaccines.

What has occurred is the increase in severity of complications from the H1N1 flu for thousands of people in the United States including over 4,000 deaths at this time. Many people contracting the H1N1 influenza are healthy adolescents and adults who end up hospitalized, requiring a ventilator to assist with breathing.

Preventing the Flu:  Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs

1.)  Avoid Close Contact:  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2.)  Stay Home When You Are Sick:  Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick.  Keep sick children at home.  This will help prevent others from catching the illness.

3.)  Cover Your Mouth and Nose:  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.  Throw the tiessue in the trash after you use it.

4.)  Wash Your Hands Often:  Washing your hands and the hands of your children often will help protect you from germs.  Be sure to use soap and warm water!

5.)  Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose, or Mouth:  Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6.)  Practice Other Good Health Habits:  Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

H1N1 Vaccine will be available soon, Click on the links below to access Vaccine Information Sheets for the H1N1 Inactivated vaccination and the H1N1 Nasal Spray:

H1N1 Inactivated Influenza Vaccine VIS

For More Information:

www.cdc.gov

http://www.idph.state.il.us/

http://www.mcphd.net/