the Flu and YOU
Influenza Information for
Knox County Residents

Pandemic means "Pay Attention" not panic
The H1N1 virus is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in April 2009, and has spread to many countries around the world. In July 2009, the World Health Organization declared the H1N1 virus a pandemic, meaning there is widespread human illness. Currently, the H1N1 virus has affected more than 177,457 people throughout the world. This fall and continuing into 2010, it will be important to pay attention to news reports and advisories from health and school officials as we track the effects of the H1N1 virus.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions

Seasonal Flu vs. Pandemic Flu
Certain strains of influenza occur annually and should not be confused with pandemic flu. These “seasonal” viruses cause the high fevers, coughs and chills familiar to all Ohioans, especially between December and April, which is the state’s peak period of seasonal flu activity.

The H1N1 flu which is now considered a pandemic flu, has similar symptoms to seasonal flu including fever, cough, sore throat, 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. H1N1 can also be characterized by a high fever (100 degrees or higher) and a severe headache along with the above symptoms.

Keep in mind that there will be 2 types of flu shots this fall - one for seasonal flu and one for the new H1N1 virus. Dates and times have been set for the seasonal flu clinics provided by the Knox County Health Department.
Click here for a copy of the 2009 seasonal flu shot schedule.

Click here for a list of other locations offering seasonal flu shots.

• Students, grades kindergarten through college
• Pregnant women
• People of any age with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes,
  heart, lung or kidney disease

A vaccine to protect against the H1N1 virus is currently being made and is expected to be available this fall. When the H1N1 vaccine is available, it will be first made available to the target populations. Direct care healthcare workers will also be getting the vaccine when it is first available since it will be important to keep them healthly so they can give the vaccine and keep others healthy.

Since students are one of the target groups affected by H1N1, the Knox County Health Department is expecting to give H1N1 vaccine in the form of a shot to local students. Details for the school H1N1 clinics are yet to be finalized, but information such as dates and locations will be made available to parents soon.

Handout on H1N1 provided to local schools
Brochure for Parents: "Tackle the Flu"

Parents will need to provide permission for their child under the age of 18 to receive the H1N1 vaccine. Permission forms will be sent home with students and will need to be signed by parents and returned before a student can receive a shot. No student will receive a shot without parental permission.

Take precautions to protect yourself and your family
To protect yourself from seasonal flu and pandemic H1N1, make good respiratory etiquette and hygiene habits a part of your daily routine.

• Get your seasonal flu vaccination. While this does not protect you from pandemic H1N1, it will keep you healthy and fight off seasonal flu.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and then throw the tissue away.
• If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze or use the restroom and before eating. If you are not near soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth as germs often spread this way.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school.

Check out these sites for more information

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Centers for Disease Prevention and Control

Ohio Department of Health

Central Ohio Pandemic Flu Information