H1N1 Flu: Prevention & Treatment
Novel H1N1 influenza (formerly known as swine flu) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. State health officials, and Queen of Peace Hospital, are closely monitoring the spread of H1N1 novel influenza throughout Minnesota.
- H1N1 Vaccination Information
- Are you concerned about H1N1 Influenza?
- Do you think you or someone you know may have H1N1 Influenza?
- Prevention
H1N1 Vaccination Information
Queen of Peace officials have determined that H1N1 vaccine administered by the hospital and Southern Metro Medical Clinics is not part of the recent recall by the CDC.
"We have not received vaccine from any of the recalled lots," said Marla Mayer, Community Relations Director from Queen of Peace Hospital. "But this is a good opportunity for us to remind parents that children under the age of 10 should be vaccinated twice for H1N1 because their immune systems are not yet fully developed."
Southern Metro Medical Clinics will be holding H1N1 Vaccine Clinics on December 29 & 30, for anyone interested in receiving the H1N1 flu vaccine. Click for more details.
Are you concerned about H1N1 Influenza?
- Read the latest Guidelines for H1N1 Vaccine Distribution from the Minnesota Department of Health.
- MDH strongly urges clinics to reserve H1N1 vaccine for individuals in high-risk groups.
- All Southern Metro Medical Clinics are following the MDH guideline.
- Read the Minnesota Public Radio article on vaccine distribution guidelines.
- Read the latest H1N1 Fact Sheet from the Minnesota Department of Health.
- Stay up to date on the latest information by consulting the Minnesota Department of Health's H1N1 Influenza web site.
- Follow Queen of Peace Hospital on Twitter for the latest news and tips about H1N1 in Scott County and surrounding areas.
Do you think you may have H1N1 Influenza?
- Please stay home for seven days from the beginning of symptoms. Do not risk infecting others at work, school, or in the community.
- Do not see your doctor unless your symptoms become severe, such as a fever of over 103°.
- Treat any flu-like symptoms (fever of 100° or higher, coughing, sore throat) as if it could be H1N1. Seek medical help only if symptoms become severe.
- Tell your employer (or school) why you or your family member are staying home. This helps authorities track the spread of flu-like illnesses.
Are you concerned that someone you know may have H1N1 Influenza?
- Strongly encourage them to stay home and avoid direct contact for at least seven days.
Prevention
Viruses are mainly spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing. There are some very simple and practical steps you can take to protect yourself from infectious diseases like influenza.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away after you use it.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid direct contact with sick people or people who are exhibiting symptoms.
- If you feel sick or begin to show symptoms of influenza, please stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from spreading infection.