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Public Health Officials Urge Residents To Plan and Prepare

 

Tragically, a local resident has died of H1N1.  This tragedy reinforces our community is not immune to this worldwide pandemic and we need to prepare now to protect our families, our communities, and ourselves.

 

Health Commissioners points out there are things everyone can do to help prevent H1N1 and seasonal influenza:

·        Get a seasonal flu shot.

·        Stay home from work or school if you are sick.

·        Cover your cough.

·        Wash your hands and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

·        Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

·        Avoid close contact with sick people.

·        Get a H1N1 vaccine when it’s available.

 

An H1N1 vaccine is currently being developed and is expected to be available to priority groups in mid-October.  Those priority groups to receive the novel H1N1 vaccine are:             

·        Pregnant women.

·        Healthcare workers and emergency medical responders.

·        People caring for infants less than 6 months of age.

·        Children and young adults ages 6 months to 24 years.

·        People ages 25 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes).

 

Public Health continues to track flu illnesses in order to prevent and control the spread of H1N1 and seasonal influenza.  You can call the Central Ohio Flu Hotline at (614) 221-2255 or you can check the following websites for further information:

·        www.columbuspandemicflu.org

·        www.publichealth.columbus.gov

·        www.odh.ohio.gov

·        www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu