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Stay Healthy, Stay Informed:
H1N1 Influenza Update
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H1N1 vaccine is being distributed by the health departments to clinics and hospitals in our county. So far we are getting small weekly shipments, so providers are trying to vaccinate those in high-risk groups before the general population. High-risk groups are: healthcare workers, pregnant women, children 6 months to 24 years, household contacts or caregivers of children 6 months or younger, and those with chronic medical conditions. More vaccines will be available as the season progresses.
We make patient safety and quality care our top priority. Our goal is to stop infections and prevent them from spreading. Skyline hospital is your partner in keeping safe this flu season. Here is some information that may be helpful.
What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?
How do I know when I should see a doctor?
How is it different than seasonal flu?
How can I stay healthy?
Should I get the vaccine?
Where do I get a vaccine?
How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
Should I take antiviral medication?
What should I have at home in case someone in my family gets sick?
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
How can I be safe if I visit the hospital?
Where do I get more H1N1 Information?
Where do I get more Klickitat County H1N1 Information?
What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Illness can be mild or more severe.
How do I know when I should see a doctor?
If you would like to take the self-administered test to see if you should see a doctor, click here.
How is it different than seasonal flu?
2009 H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than older people. At this time, there are few cases and few deaths reported in people older than 64 years old, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu. However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this 2009 H1N1. These underlying conditions include asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, muscle or nerve disorders and pregnancy.
How can I stay healthy?
Take everyday actions to stay healthy, such as using tissue when you cough or sneeze, throwing tissue immediately in the trash, washing your hands or using sanitizer after coughing or sneezing, avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth, and staying home if you are sick.
- Keep 3-6 feet from an infected person who is coughing or sneezing.
- Stay informed. The website is updated frequently.
- Follow public health advice about avoiding crowds.
Should I get the vaccine?
You should ask your doctor or the hospital for a vaccine if you fit into one of these groups:
- Pregnant women
- Persons who live with or provide care for infants less than 6 months
- Health care and emergency services personnel
- Persons aged 6 months to 24 years
- Persons aged 25 years to 64 years who have medical conditions that place them at higher risk for influenza–related complications
- Click here to see how vaccine decisions are made.
There is less risk of infection with H1N1 in people 65 and older because they have already been exposed to a similar infection.
Where do I get a vaccine?
The influenza vaccine is first available through your primary care physician and the hospital. The Klickitat County Health Department receives the vaccines. They distribute them to clinics and Skyline Hospital on a weekly basis. Due to limited supplies, doctors are giving them to high risk patients and medical personnel.
How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
People infected with seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems.
Should I take antiviral medication?
During the current pandemic, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs is to treat severe influenza illness (for example hospitalized patients) and people who are sick who have a condition that places them at high risk for serious flu-related complications.
What should I have at home in case someone in my family gets sick?
Useful items to have are: a thermometer, painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, throat lozenges, sports drinks, sanitizer, and tissue.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How can I be safe if I visit the hospital?
Hand sanitizer, tissue, and masks are provided at the entrances and waiting areas of Skyline. In addition, there are free brochures in English and Spanish in comic format that you can take home. All employees are encouraged to be vaccinated or document that they decline vaccination. If 2009 H1N1 influenza is identified in our area, we will protect our patients by screening you for symptoms as you enter the hospital, and recommend masks if needed. We will also screen inpatients for H1N1, if appropriate.
Our patient wing has mostly private rooms to allow for protecting more patients.
We are prepared to handle a severe season, but we are hopeful that our area will stay healthy.
Where do I get more H1N1 Information?
For more information, go to the Center for Disease Control’s website. or for more information on H1N1 in Washington state go to http://www.doh.wa.gov/h1n1/.
Where do I get more Klickitat County H1N1 Information?
If you have general health questions or questions about infectious diseases in the community, a good reference is the Klickitat County Health Department. (click here) Their phone is 509-493-1558 or 888-267-1199.
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