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As summer moves closer to fall, Los
Angeles County prepares to face not only continuing
cases of pandemic H1N1 flu (formerly known as “swine
flu”), but also the regular, seasonal flu. Keep in
mind that the word “pandemic” does not mean that the
symptoms of this flu virus are more severe, but only
that H1N1 is widespread around the world.
In the coming weeks, you will be
hearing more information from Public Health about
the seasonal influenza vaccine and the pandemic H1N1
vaccine. On July 29th, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that H1N1
vaccination efforts focus on the following five key
populations:
- Pregnant women,
- People who live with or car for children
younger than 6 months of age,
- Health care and emergency services
personnel,
- Persons between the ages of 6 months through
24 years of age, and
- People from ages 25 through 64 years who are
at higher risk of complications from pandemic
H1N1 flu infection because of chronic health
disorders or compromised immune systems.
These vaccination efforts are
focused on reducing the impact and spread of
pandemic H1N1 flu. The H1N1 vaccine is expected to
arrive in Los Angeles County by about mid-October.
The two-dose H1N1 vaccine will be distributed
through normal providers, such as your doctor or
some pharmacies and workplaces, and through some
public organizations, such as Public Health. While
the H1N1 vaccine does require two visits to your
vaccine provider, the benefits in terms of
protecting your health and the health of your loved
ones are well worth it.
More than one flu virus can
circulate through communities, which is why we are
also promoting the seasonal flu vaccine, which comes
out every year. The seasonal flu vaccine will be
available as early as September. It is recommended
for everyone, starting at 6 months of age. The
seasonal flu vaccine will be made available through
your usual doctor or health care provider.
Vaccine is one of the most
important layers of defense against the flu, and
there are a few additional steps that everyone can
do to help protect their health. Wash your hands,
cover your coughs and sneezes, avoid touching your
nose, mouth and eyes, and stay home if you or your
child is sick. We strongly encourage all families to
start thinking about alternative childcare in case a
sick child needs to stay home from school, daycare,
or afterschool programs during an illness and for at
least 24 hours after fever ends. If you do not have
a fever, wait for 24 hours after your symptoms
subside. Employers are encouraged to develop
business continuity plans in case sick employees
need to take time off for themselves or a family
member. These proactive steps can minimize the
spread of disease and safeguard the health of our
community.
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