Emergency preparedness

H1N1 Update
(December 11, 2009)

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, in concert with other county health departments in Washington, announced H1N1 vaccine distribution is being expanded to all residents effective Saturday, Dec. 12.
 
The announcement coincides with the department’s Wednesday swine flu clinic series that started Dec. 9 and will continue on a weekly basis until further notice. The next clinic is Dec. 16 in the Health Department auditorium, 3629 S. D St., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., is open to everyone 6 months and older.  

Information about other clinics can be found by going to www.tpchd.org and clicking on H1N1. People also can e-subscribe on the Web site to public health news to receive daily H1N1 updates.  For most clinics and pharmacies, people should call ahead to double check availability and to make an appointment.

Guidance for Families
H1N1 (Swine) Flu

The Sumner School District is working in coordination with county and state health agencies to monitor incidence of H1N1. Our state health department and the state Superintendent of Public Schools have determined that it the most important thing students and families can do is to stay home when they feel ill.

Adults and children with H1N1 may have symptoms such fever (100° or more), sore throat, cough, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue lasting up to seven days. People are considered contagious as long as symptoms persist. If you or your child have flu-like symptoms, please stay home from school or work, monitor symptoms and contact your family health care provider if necessary. Students should not return to school until they are fever-free for 24 hours.

The Sumner School District is following this advice from the National Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for monitoring H1N1 in public schools:

• Separate ill students and staff until they can be sent home
• Students and staff should stay home when sick
• Wash hands often
• Clean more frequently in classrooms
• Consider selective school dismissal

What You can do to Prevent the Spread of the Flu

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Stay home if you feel sick

Know the Symptoms of the Flu
The symptoms of the H1N1 flu are similar to the symptoms of the seasonal influenza:

• Fever (a temperature of 100°)
• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Cough
• Some people with H1N1 flu have also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Remember, if you have the flu

• Stay home if you have symptoms of the flu or if you feel sick
• Cover your cough
• Wash your hands frequently
• Get a vaccine when it becomes available
• Stay home for at least 24 hrs after the fever has ended

Know What to do about the Flu
http://www.flu.gov/

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
http://www.tpchd.org/page.php?id=456

State Health Department
http://www.doh.wa.gov/h1n1/

Letter from the Department of Health