H1N1

 www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

http://www.adph.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1

Up Date on H1N1 Influenza

      H1N1 influenza illness is circulating in Alabama and is spreading in school systems all across the state including Morgan County.  While there are other illnesses that may be out there, H1N1 influenza accounts for over 99% of the circulating viruses at this time. Absenteeism is higher than normal for this time of the school year. There is likely to be large numbers of individuals in Alabama who experience this flu before the H1N1 vaccine is available. So the best advice remains to use personal measures to try to minimize the spread of illness. This includes handwashing, covering coughs & sneezes, staying home if you feel ill, stay home until you are fever free for 24 hours without taking fever lowering medications. The symptoms of H1N1 are similar to seasonal flu. They could include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, achiness, headache, chills and fatigue. These are sometimes accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting.  Like seasonal flu, H1N1 can be serious for some individuals. Call your healthcare provider for specific directions and concerns that you may have.
     The vaccine for H1N1 influenza is being tested and the plan is for it to be available by the last week in October or before. The targeted age groups who should get the vaccine are those ages 6 months to 24 years of age, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions.  Morgan County Schools are among those who are  working with the Alabama Public Health Department and the Alabama Department of Education to offer times and locations in the school setting for students and targeted individuals to receive the H1N1 vaccine if they choose to do so.  The details of these vaccine clinics will be posted here soon.
     While every school in our system has experienced some illness, we have been fortunate because our students have had mild cases thus far and the number of absent students, faculty, and employees has not been higher than would be expected under the circumstances. This seems to be the result of many people staying aware, being cooperative and following precautions to limit the spread of illness.