H1N1 Influenza

H1N1 Novel Influenza information from Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services, Division of Public Health FLU ISN'T BUSINESS AS USUAL
THIS YEAR --- BE INFORMED

This year, the H1N1 (Swine) flu virus may cause a more dangerous flu season with a lot more people getting sick, being hospitalized and dying than during a regular flu season.

H1N1 is a new virus first seen in the United States. It is contagious and spreads from person to person. Like seasonal flu, illness in people with H1N1 can vary from mild to severe.

A flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza A virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population; the virus causes serious illness and spreads easily from person-to-person worldwide. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that a global pandemic of H1N1 flu is underway.

The Health Department and the Washington County Health Care Partners coalition are preparing for the arrival of H1N1 vaccine. Most health care providers are planning to follow CDC recommendations and offer vaccine for both seasonal and the new novel H1N1 influenza this year.

For a concise one-page summary of the current situation from the Washington County Health Department (PDF), follow this link.
H1N1 Message of the Day
Information about the 2009 H1N1 Vaccines

The 2009 H1N1 vaccine comes in two forms, a nasal spray and a shot. 
  • Inactivated Vaccine, made from a killed virus, given as an intra-muscular injection; intended for pregnant women and people who are older than 6 months, including people with certain chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems (click on the link for more information)
  • Live, Attenuated Intranasal Vaccine , a nasal spray made from weakened virus (so it will not cause illness); intended for healthy people who are age 2 through 49 years who are not pregnant and do not have certain health conditions (click on the link for more information)
A physician or other qualified health care professional can help you decide which vaccine is appropriate for you or your child.
Nothing to Fear but the Flu Itself   Public health officials are now battling not only a fast-spreading influenza virus but also unfounded fears about the vaccine that can prevent it.   by Paul A. Offit, chief of the infectious diseases division of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, originally published in the New York Times on October 12, 2009.
General Questions and Answers on 2009 H1N1 Influenza A Vaccine Safety from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The State of Wisconsin and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also maintain websites that are frequently updated with practical and reliable information: 
 

Wisconsin's Pandemic Flu Resource
updated information from Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Get the Wisconsin family toolkit

Get the Wisconsin Pandemic
 Influenza Toolkit for Families
Get flu guidance for businesses and employers
Get the flu toolkit for businesses and employers