THE PANDEMIC OF H1N1

This is one time we can not run for cover from the enemy. No matter where we are–if we do not take the proper precautionary steps–he will find us.

In this case the “enemy” happens to be germs, something you simply can not see even though there are trillions all around us, invading every existing space in the form of the H1N1 flu bug. According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC) Assistant Surgeon General Anne Schuchet, the disease has penetrated the bodies of 5,000 people worldwide, but so far has killed only about a hundred of them.

Reports indicate that influenza activity has increased in Wisconsin in early September and has remained elevated in most areas of the state compared to what is normally seen at this time of year. The Department of Health Services (DHS) has not yet observed the type of week-to-week community escalation that occurred in the spring, but schools in some communities have reported high numbers of student absences due to influenza-like illness and this could be an early indication that community-wide activity will intensify in the coming weeks. Laboratory confirmed cases, which represent a small fraction of the total number of infected persons, have been reported from over two thirds of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, and 99 percent of all the circulating influenza viruses have been confirmed as H1N1. No H1N1 viruses in the state have been found to be resistant to antiviral medications.

Linda Walter, health officer at Hartford Union High School, said the 2009 H1N1 Influenza vaccine is becoming available for distribution to target or high risk groups including:

Children aged six months through 24 years old; pregnant women; people who live with or care for children younger than six months of age; health care and emergency medical services workers; people ages 25 through 64 years who have certain health conditions such as HIV, diabetes, heart or lung disease; and severely disabled people of any age whose immune system is so low it cannot fight off diseases or infections on its own.

Walter said the vaccination is the best way to protect your child from the H1N1 Influenza. The Washington County Health Department (WCHD) is working with schools to provide opportunities for vaccination of children in the sixth through twelfth grades.

The last group, where the WCHG is working with schools to provide opportunities for sixth-12th graders, are voluntary and recommended since this age group has been experiencing higher rates of H1N1 Influenza than any other age group.

Vaccination clinics will begin immunization as soon as possible, or as soon as vaccine is shipped to health departments and local medical offices–which may not be until early November or later, say ProHealth Care-Medical Associates Clinics in Hartford and Menomonee Falls. Aurora Pharmacy, located in County Market, had a clinic scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24 but had to postpone it due to a lack of vaccine, a pharmacist said. The pharmacists are not yet sure when more vaccine will be in–they are praying for sometime in early November.

Walter said the high school is sending out information on two types of vaccines...the intranasal type (it’s injected into the nose) and the type you get through an injection. Information parents receive in the mail will include a permission form that they must sign before vaccine can be given to your child in the school without parental presence.

Availability of the type of vaccine desired, and your answers to the questions on the permission form, will determine the vaccine your child receives. There is no cost to you for this vaccine if received in school or at a public clinic.

The Health Department is scheduling public clinics at Washington County Fair Park Pavilion for students who do not have an opportunity at school to receive vaccine, as well as for younger children. Three dates have been reserved at Fair Park, but are subject to change based on vaccine availability. Private physicians may also have vaccine, but may charge an administrative cost. Check your insurance coverage if this is a concern.

More information about H1N1 Influenza is available on www.pandemic.wisconsin.gov .

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON H1N1

HUHS H1N1 Flu Shot Clinic Postponed

The H1N1 flu shot clinic scheduled for Monday, Nov. 2 has been postponed due to the national delays in the vaccine shipments.

The Washington County Health Department is postponing all school clinics at this time. The Health Department will notify HUHS when the Department is able to reschedule the clinic.

As a Reminder

In fairness to other students at HUHS and their families, please stay home if you are ill. If you have a fever or flu like symptoms, you need to stay home for at least 24 hours after symptoms subside without the use of over the counter medications.

And good personal hygiene

...is crucial to avoiding getting sick. Remember to cough/sneeze in a tissue or shirt sleeve, if tissue is not available.

Wash your hands frequently

...with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. This avoids the spread of illness, do not share eating utensils, beverage bottles or other personal items.

AS OF NOW

As of this writing, the only places within a 10 miles radius that are available for the H1N1 vaccine include:

HEALTH DEPT - WASHINGTON COUNTY H1N1 VACCINATION CLINIC WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIR PARK, Washington County, 3000 Highway PV, West Bend, WI 53095.

MANGOLD CENTER FOR FAMILY HEALTH AND WELNESS H1N1 VACCINE CLINIC MANGOLD CENTER FOR FAMILY HEALTH, Washington County, 120 N Main St Suite 120, West Bend, WI 53095view map (262) 338-8100 Administrative

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