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The seasonal flu, which our region typically sees each year beginning in January, is expected to be no different this year than in years past. Due to a nationwide shortage of flu vaccine, we don’t have dates yet for our flu vaccination clinics, but we continue to work with nursing agencies in the area to schedule clinic dates once the vaccine becomes available. Some people, such as older people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), are at increased risk for serious complications from seasonal flu illness.
H1N1 influenza (previously referred to as “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness. H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from person to person the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are transferred from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. 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.
A vaccine has recently been developed to prevent H1N1 flu, but it is in limited quantity right now. The vaccine will eventually be available to everyone, but will be offered first to people in high risk groups that are most likely to be seriously affected if they get the H1N1 flu. These high risk groups include pregnant women, caregivers of children under the age of 6 months, health care workers and emergency medical service providers.
If you don’t get a vaccine to protect you from either the seasonal or H1N1 flu, the best way you can protect yourself from getting the flu is to wash your hands, stay away from people who have the flu or are sick, avoid crowds where people may be sick, and avoid touching your nose or mouth.
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