Bulletins

Swine Flu

What is H1N1 Flu?

2009 H1N1 (sometimes called “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread; the virus is not caught or spread by eating pork.

This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs.

How is the virus spread?

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches and/or headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea.

People may be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Most people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment. However, severe illnesses and deaths have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus. Severe illnesses has been seen most often in the “high risk” groups.

Who is in the “High Risk” groups?

•  Pregnant women and children under the age of 6 months.
• Children and young adults under the age of 24.
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, this includes diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.

The Monterey County Health Department urges all individuals in these high risk groups, as well as service providers/family members providing direct care to these high risk populations to get an H1N1 vaccination.

 How to keep you and your family healthy

A flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against flu infection.There are also everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like the flu:

• Cough into the crook of your elbos or 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. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs enter your body through these areas.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) This includes children, who should be kept home from school until fever is gone.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

To learn more about what you can do to stay healthy, read Stopping the Spread of Germs on the CDC website.

Vaccine Information

The H1N1 vaccine is now available in Monterey County. Contact your doctor or the nearest community clinic to make an appointment to get vaccinated. The following Target Pharmacies in the Monterey County area are also providing the vaccination:

• Target Pharmacy #1062
  2040 California Ave, Sand City, CA
  (831) 583-9110
• Target Pharmacy #2306
  133 General Stilwell Dr, Marina, CA
  (831) 883-5721
• Target Pharmacy #0676
  1640 N Main, Salinas, CA
  (831) 442-2961
• Target Pharmacy #1143
  1415 Main St, Watsonville, CA
  (831) 761-9194

*Call ahead to make sure that vaccine is in stock.

Upcoming vaccine clinics will be posted here as they are scheduled and information becomes available. Check this site regularly to make sure you get the latest updates and vaccine supply information.

School Based Vaccine Clinics

To read a press release from the CDC regarding the recent Vaccine Recall, click here.

Related Links and Helpful Information

www.flu.gov

Swine Flu and You - Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Swine Flu Fact Sheet - Monterey County Health Department

Information Sheet for Pregnant Women and Mothers - Monterey County Health Department

The preceding information is a compulation of H1N1 information put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Monterey County Health Department.