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H1N1 Information
COPC patients should preregister to receive the H1N1 vaccine. To complete this process go to H1N1vaccine.ODH.Ohio.gov.
H1N1 is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This virus was first detected in the United States in April 2009. This virus was originally called the “swine flu” but in fact it contains genetic material from 2 swine strains, 1 bird strain and a human strain. H1N1 has accounted for 99% of the flu illnesses in the U.S. this year. We have not yet seen the seasonal flu that we usually see late fall and early winter.
We are currently vaccinating patients for the seasonal flu. COPC will be vaccinating patients for the H1N1 virus when the vaccine is available. We expect to begin receiving the vaccine in October.
The H1N1 virus can affect all ages and most people have a mild illness and require only rest. Several groups have been found to be at high risk for complications to H1N1. These groups include; pregnant women, children under 5 years, those with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease and lung disease. The elderly seem to already have some level of immunity to this virus. As the H1N1 vaccine becomes available the vaccine will be given to those at highest risk first and then be offered to most Americans. The order of vaccination most likely will be; pregnant women, people who live with or care for children under 6 months of age, healthcare workers with patient contact, persons age 6 month to 24 years, persons 25 to 64 years and those with chronic illness, then those over age 65.
Flu symptoms for seasonal and the H1N1 virus include: fever (this may be low grade compared to the seasonal flu), cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, headache, body aches and chills.
The Flu is spread by cough and contact. It is crucial to cough into a sleeve or material and not into your hands. Washing your hands is the best way to prevent spreading this illness. Ill patients may be offered a mask to protect other patients and staff.
IF YOU ARE SICK WITH FLU SYMPTOMS: STAY HOME FROM WORK! See your physician if you are in a high risk group or have progressive symptoms. STAY HOME UNTIL YOUR FEVER IS GONE FOR 24 HOURS WITHOUT MEDICATION.