Thursday, July 30, 2009

Update on H1N1 Virus Vaccinations here in Hernando County

Media Release

July 29, 2009

Update on H1N1 Virus Vaccinations
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release Contact: Ann-Gayl Ellis, PIO
July 29, 2009 Hernando County Health Department
352-279-1949 or 352-540-6817

The H1N1 virus (also known as swine flu) is currently circulating in every Florida County now. Although mild in most cases, H1N1 can kill.

The Hernando County Health Department anticipates a vaccine will may be available this fall for those residents and visitors that are considered high risk for developing complications from the flu.

High risk individuals are defined as:

- Children 6 months of age to 18 years of age
- Non-elderly persons with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, respiratory disease and cancer
- Household contacts of infants younger than 6 months of age
- Medical and healthcare personnel who have regular direct client contact
Day care workers
- Essential services workers such as law enforcement officers who have direct contact with the community and
- School personnel

Thus far, H1N1is rare in healthy persons over the age of 60. For this reason, people 60 and over are not in the high risk priority group for vaccination.

Hernando County residents can take an active role in preventing the spread of H1N1 by:

  • 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, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or 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.
For more information on the H1N1 virus, call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 1-800-CDC-INFO.

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