Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Release Date: March 31, 2010

End Date: April 15, 2010

Contact Person: Dr. Gary Johnson, MD, MPH

                           Medical Director

                           Genesee County Health Department

Phone: (810) 257-3812 

RE: Catch Spring Fever not the H1N1 Flu!

The Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) wants everyone to stay flu free during the coming “spring break” season. Last week the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that nationally we continue to see people with serious illness from the 2009 H1N1 (pandemic) influenza virus – particularly in the southeastern region of the United States. Local influenza activity is sporadic, but there are still uncertainties surrounding the rest of the regular flu season which continues through April. Many people in Genesee County are still vulnerable to the pandemic H1N1 virus because they haven't been vaccinated yet. With plenty of vaccine available, the GCHD is encouraging people to take advantage of the opportunity to protect themselves and their loved ones. The GCHD strongly encourages everyone 6 months of age and older to get vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu.

With the U.S. “spring break” season coming up, many students will travel in the United States and internationally. It is best to get the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine at least 2 weeks before the start of your trip. If you are unable to get vaccinated you still can protect yourself by remembering to “Stop, Wash, and Go”:

• Stop: If you have the flu or have flu-like symptoms, delay your travel plans until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines.

• Wash: Cover your coughs and sneezes with your upper sleeve or tissue and wash your hands often with soap and water.

• Go: If you are healthy and taking the appropriate precautions, go – and have a great time.

Vaccination is especially important for adults 18-64 with medical conditions that put them at risk of serious complications from the flu, pregnant women, children (9 years old or younger will need two doses separated by at least 28 days), and people living with or caring for infants under six months old. In addition, minority populations have been harder-hit by the 2009 H1N1 pandemic than non-minority groups. The GCHD also is encouraging people 65 years and older to get vaccinated against the 2009 H1N1 flu. While less likely to get sick with 2009 H1N1 flu than younger people, people 65 and older are at higher risk of serious complications if they do get sick.

People seeking the vaccine have several options in Genesee County.  A complete list of public vaccination sites can be found on the GCHD website and hotline.  To view the website, visit www.gchd.us and click on “H1N1 Flu Clinic Locations.”  To reach the hotline, call (810) 257-3887.

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