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2009 – 2010 Flu Season
The 2009-2010 flu season may prove to be particularly bad this year. There has been growing concern over the H1N1 virus. Influenza A (H1N1) is also known as NOVEL or Swine Flu.
On this page are links to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) websites concerning the spread of the H1N1 virus. Should there be a conflict in the information, Bensalem EMS will be taking direction from the PA DOH.
Both seasonal flu and H1N1 can be spread by respiratory droplets. These droplets come from coughing and sneezing. These droplets can be propelled in the air or can be laying on surfaces. The flu can be spread by someone who is infected one day prior to them experiencing symptoms.
Symptoms of both seasonal flu and H1N1 virus are basically the same. Signs of flu like symptoms combined with a fever (usually high) are described below. Fever is the key indicator to many health care providers.
· Fever (usually high) · Headache · Extreme tiredness · Dry Cough · Sore throat · Runny/stuffy nose · Muscle aches · Nausea, vomiting diarrhea can also occur
How to stay healthy…
The number one recommendation in all the literature is to simply wash your hands. Wash your hands under running water if possible for about 30 seconds. Try to avoid contact with surfaces that may be contaminated. Something as simple as handling laundry of an affected person away from your face when moving it into the washer will help prevent flu.
Other forms of healthy living also help your immune system fight flu. These things include drinking plenty of water, being physically active, and eating a nutritious diet. Excessive stress also lowers the body’s immune system leaving us susceptible to flu and other illness.
Vaccine:
It is very important to know there are two vaccines this year. One is for the seasonal flu and one is for the H1N1 virus. These vaccines are NOT interchangeable (or universal) for the different types of influenza. You need both to be properly protected.
Seasonal flu vaccine is widely available at this time. Bensalem EMS is still waiting for news from PA DOH about the distribution of the H1N1 vaccine.
Bensalem EMS will attempt to keep current information on our site. Our resources are limited; however the links to other government sites will provide the most up-to-date information available.
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USEFUL LINKS: US Government H1N1 Information CDC H1N1 Audio & Video Resources PA Department of Health H1N1 Info
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