Flu and Swine Flu (H1N1) Information

by Stan Miller

September 16, 2009

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
DAVID L. LAKEY, M.D.
COMMISSIONER
Health Service Region 1
1109 Kemper St • Lubbock, Texas 79403
1-806-744-3577 • http://www.r01.tdh.state.tx.us/
September 2009
Dear Community Partner:
Each year the seasonal influenza season has a large impact on our communities. With the H1N1
virus expected to coincide with the 2010 influenza season, it is essential that we take steps now
to prepare for the coming months.
The purpose of this packet is to provide you information about the H1N1 virus and steps you can
take to protect you, your family, and your community. Please share this information!
These websites will be updated with the latest information and guidance as the flu season
progresses. Sign-up for email updates at www.texasflu.org and look for “Get e-mail updates.”
If you have any questions, please contact the DSHS Region 1 office in Lubbock at (806) 744-
3577 or in Canyon at (806) 655-7151. The Public Health Preparedness program can be reached
at (806) 767-0366.
Thank you for you assistance in preventing the spread of the H1N1 virus.
Sincerely,
P.W. Pendergrass, MD, MPH
Peter W. Pendergrass, MD, MPH
Region 1 Regional Director
Texas Department of State Health Services
An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
09-18-09
Questions and Answers about H1N1
Characteristics of the virus
What are the symptoms? Same as general flu symptoms: sudden onset of fever,
headache, cough, sore throat, aches; possibly vomiting and diarrhea
What is the incubation period? 1 to 4 days
What is the infectious period? 5+ days starting 1 day before symptoms (longer in children)
What non-pharmaceutical interventions are recommended?
Use good hand hygiene: wash hands with soap and water and use hand sanitizer
Practice good cough etiquette: cough on shoulder away from people, not into hands
Disinfect surfaces: especially tables and chairs, doorknobs, athletic equipment, toys,
grocery carts
Stay home when sick: stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone without the use of
fever reducing medicine. Treat symptoms with rest, fluids and pain medication (NO ASPRIN
for children).
Vaccine implementation
Who will receive the H1N1 vaccine? The target groups are:
• pregnant women
• children and young people ages 6 months through 24 years
• household contacts of babies under 6 months of age
• health care and emergency medical services workers
• people between 25 and 64 years who have chronic medical conditions.
Once these groups have had the opportunity to receive vaccine, healthy individuals 25 years
of age and older will be offered vaccine.
How will it be distributed? The Department of State Health Services will coordinate the
ordering and distribution of the novel H1N1 vaccine in Texas. Providers can register at
www.texasflu.org to receive vaccines.
How much will the vaccine cost? There is no cost for the vaccine; however, providers may
charge an administration fee. The allowable amount has not been established.
Will the regular influenza vaccine protect against H1N1? No, both seasonal and novel
H1N1 vaccines are necessary to prevent illnesses from both viruses. The regular seasonal
flu vaccine should be available in mid-September.
How many doses will be needed? It is expected that 2 doses will be needed.
When will the vaccine be available? The expected date is mid-October.
Antiviral medication (Relenza and Tamiflu)
What is it for? Antiviral medicine will be used to treat or help slow novel H1N1 influenza
and allow the body’s normal immune system to respond
Does it require a prescription? Yes, prescriptions are given based on healthcare provider
decision and are targeted to high risk populations. Additional guidance is provided at
www.texasflu.org.
When should it be given? Should be started within 48 hours of onset of symptoms (for
maximum effectiveness)
How will it be distributed? Through retail chain and independent pharmacies, community
health centers, and local health departments
How much will it cost? Individuals will pay the regular co-payment as required for all
prescriptions. Anti-viral medication will be provided at no cost for patients who are uninsured
or underinsured.
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Where can I get updated information? Sign up for email alerts at www.texasflu.org
Other contacts: Schools and health providers can call 1-866-623-6274 with questions.
Helpful websites are:
Texas Department of State Health Services
www.texasflu.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.flu.gov
Texas Department of Agriculture
www.tda.state.tx.us
Texas Education Agency
http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/swineflu/
09-18-09
www.TexasFlu.org
This website is supported by the Texas Department of State Health Services. It provides
several guidance documents that have been modified and geared specifically toward
Texas. This site will be updated with further guidance as it becomes available. Please
check this site throughout the flu season for the latest information.
Some of the information that you will be able to find at this site includes: