| SEASONAL FLU AND H1N1 FLU INFORMATION | |
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Seasonal flu and H1N1 shots are available. No appointment is needed. To Our Patients: The 2009 flu season is complicated by the threat of a new flu strain known as H1N1 in addition to the Seasonal flu that we are all familiar with. At Edina Family Physicians, we understand that the flu is a topic of concern for our patients and families at this time. Our office continues to monitor and receive regular updates regarding both seasonal influenza (flu) and H1N1 influenza (flu) from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the State of What is the difference between Seasonal Flu and H1N1? Seasonal Flu is Influenza. Ø Influenza is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system, including your nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs. Ø Influenza usually appears suddenly with a runny nose, headache, cough and/or fatigue. Most people can treat influenza with rest, liquids and fever/pain relief. Ø Influenza, commonly called the flu, is not the same as the stomach viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting. What is the H1N1 virus? Ø It is a novel virus, meaning that it is a new infectious agent that humans have never been infected with. Ø Novel viruses are dangerous because the human immune system has no previous experience battling them. Ø H1N1 symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting. Ø Although the seasonal flu is most dangerous to those with weak immune systems, such as the very young and the elderly, the novel H1N1 virus appears to be a threat to healthy, young adults. Ø The CDC has indicated that the H1N1 flu can last between 7 and 10 days. Vaccines: Ø This season two different flu vaccines will be available. o The Seasonal flu vaccine is available now. It is recommended that it be received as soon as possible. o The vaccine for H1N1 is still being developed and will not be available until mid-October. The FDA has approved a one dose injection for persons 10 years of age and older. o The FDA has approved two doses for children 9 years of age and younger. o The FDA has approved Children ages 6 months through 35 months will get two doses of the flu vaccine containing one-half the dose used for older children and adults. See http://www.flu.gov/ o These Injections are highly recommended by the CDC for the following groups: - Pregnant women, - People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months - Health care workers - Children ages 6 months through 4 years - School age children ages 5 through 18 years who have chronic medical conditions - Individuals with compromised immune systems. Websites with up-to-the-Minute Influenza information: · Check out the CDC’s website for more information regarding the flu and the vaccine. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/ · Check out the World Health Organizations website for information regarding the spread of the virus. http://www.who.int/en/ · For local information check out the MN Dept of Health website. http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/h1n1/index.htm ****************************************************************** RULES TO HELP AVOID THE FLU Ø Cover your mouth when you cough Ø Wash your hands Ø Stay home when you are sick. Ø Wash your hands Ø Keep your children home from school when they are sick. Ø Wash your hands |
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