H1N1 Swine Flu
Updates, Prevention Tips, Facts, News & Links
(…& Widget!)
You’ve probably already heard that the H1N1 flu was declared to be a pandemic, back in June, 2009; & that the vaccinations for it (which have recently been approved by the FDA) are supposed to be effective with one dose/shot (although not 100% [probably between 70+ & 90+% effective?]), instead of the two which they were originally predicting everyone might need.
The situation can change daily, however, so instead of posting multiple updates over the coming months, I’ve posted the CDC’s H1N1/Swine flu widget on the Care-Aware™ home page (rt-hand side of page).
You can also go to the CDC’s H1N1 flu website for tons more comprehensive-information:
H1N1 Swine Flu information is also available on Twitter at @CDCFlu & @FluGov.
Don’t forget to follow the basic flu-prevention strategies:
- Wash, wash, WASHŦ your hands (often/with soap & water – &/or use alcohol-based antibacterial products*)!
- Avoid touching your face/eyes/nose/mouth.
- Sneeze into your sleeve/elbow or a tissue (throw that in the trash AND wash your hands afterwards).
- Get your flu shots (seasonal & H1N1. ◊
- Stay HOME if you get sick« & limit your contact with others in the home, too.
Ŧ A handwashing step-by-step graphic is available in the Care-Aware™ “Shigella & Norovirus Outbreaks” post. That said, the virus is spread through the air via coughing/sneezing; so staying away from people who are doing that (good luck), covering it when you do, getting a flu shot (seasonal one, too), & avoiding touching your face with your hands are all important strategies to keep in mind.
◊ Flu shots are not completely-without their own potential risks (though statistically very-rare). If you have any concerns ask your doctor, do some research, & weigh the risks/benefits for you. Most healthy people handle them well (& most vaccines are now made from killed/non-active viruses); & it helps those with chronic health problems when others in society aren’t spreading the flu around (especially if they-themselves are not able to take the vaccine due to health issues/allergies, etc.)!
* Be careful when using alcohol-based hand products with/around younger children, as there have been incidents of alcohol-poisonings when they’ve sucked on their fingers, licked their hands, or even have drunk the solution from the bottles!
« You actually remain contagious for as long as you have a cough (so usually at least 10 days)! This is MUCH longer than the previous advisory that people could return to work/school as soon as they’d been free of a fever for at least 24 hrs (without it being lowered by medication). So stock up with plenty of staple supplies which you might need, should you or a family member get sick!
Be well, Everyone! 
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