H1N1 (swine) flu information
Updated September 29, 2009
Federal health officials expect 159 million doses of swine flu vaccine to be available in October. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory panel recently released five vaccination priority groups:
- Pregnant women
- Household and caregivers of infants less than six months old
- Health care and emergency workers
- Infants, children and young adults aged six months to 24 years of age
- Adults age 25 to 64 years of age with underlying medical conditions
- When additional vaccine is available, vaccinations are recommended for all adults age 65 and over.
Where to obtain a swine flu vaccination is still being determined by the Wisconsin Division of Public Health. The Trust will update this site when more details are provided. See the CDC's question and answer page for more information about the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine.
The swine flu vaccine is separate from the seasonal flu vaccine. The Trust is again working with school districts in sponsoring flu shot clinics for the seasonal flu vaccine. Starting in late September, you can use our FluShotFinder Web tool to find out information on a clinic in or near your district.
Where to get the latest information
The CDC H1N1 (swine) flu Web page has information and advice, including posters and other resources school districts can use to get this information out to students and staff.
Symptoms of the flu
- Fever (usually high)
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Extreme tiredness
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (much more common in children than adults)
Follow these steps if you get the flu
- Stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Get plenty of rest.
- If you have severe illness or you are at high risk of flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.
- If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care:
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptons improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Antiviral Drugs
If your doctor prescribes antiviral drugs, take them. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid, or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. Antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. Keep in mind antiviral drugs are not preventive drugs. Unless you're sick, your doctor won't prescribe them.
Does the Trust cover antiviral drugs?
Yes, the Trust covers prescription Tamiflu and Relenza, which have proven most effective against the swine flu.
Does the Trust cover the H1N1 vaccine?
The federal government has paid for the vaccine, but providers may charge an administrative fee. In those cases, the Trust will cover the administrative fee in the same manner as all other medical services, subject to any applicable deductible and coinsurance.
Take everyday preventive actions
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
|
|
| |
|
 | ,  | After hours care | , | Health Assessment | , | Diabetes care (Adults) | , | Kids in Control! (Pediatric diabetes care) | , | WEA Trust Club Mom (Maternity education) | , | Heart care | , | Back pain | , | Behavioral health | , | Oncology | , | Flu vaccinations | , | Tobacco cessation | , | Trust in Your Health | , | Partners in Health newsletter | , | View policies online |
| | |
|
|