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| Promoting and protecting the health and safety of all Idahoans |
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| 2009 H1N1 Vaccine Now Available To Everyone - Click here to find vaccine |
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Idaho 2009 H1N1 Influenza
Influenza-like illnesses are widespread throughout Idaho and most of the nation. The predominant strain currently circulating is the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu virus. Like all influenza viruses, the H1N1 flu is unpredictable so state and local public health officials are preparing for continued illness throughout the coming months.
Vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family. For information about where to get vaccinated in your community, please contact your local health department.
People who suspect they have had H1N1 flu, or had a rapid flu test in the doctor’s office but did not receive a confirmatory laboratory test for the H1N1 virus, are encouraged to get the vaccine when it is available to them.
Symptoms and When to Get Medical Help
Symptoms are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, with some reports of diarrhea and vomiting. Most children and adults with the flu who are generally in good health will recover without needing to visit a health care provider or doctor. Children and adults who are ill and at high risk for flu complications, and people with more severe flu symptoms, should call their regular health care provider. Whenever possible, call your health care provider to get advice on whether you need to be seen.
Staying Healthy
To help protect yourself and the people you are in contact with from getting the flu, follow these flu prevention tips:
- Get vaccinated.
- H1N1 vaccine
- Pneumococcal vaccine: Influenza makes people more susceptible to bacterial pneumonia. Pneumococcal vaccine can help prevent pneumonia, other illness, and death caused by pneumococcal bacteria. Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for persons age 65 years and older, all children younger than 24 months of age, and persons age 2 through 64 years who have certain medical conditions.
To determine if you are eligible for these vaccines, speak to your local health department or healthcare provider.
- Cover your cough.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- If you have a fever, stay home for at least 24 hours after that fever has ended.
- If you fit in a CDC recommended group, get a vaccine when it becomes available.
Be Ready
Resources about how Idahoans can protect themselves and their communities from the spread of 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza can be found in the Be Ready section of this Web site. Helpful information is available for individuals, families, schools, businesses, health care workers, and others.
⇒ How to prepare for any emergency
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