Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/661709
H1N1: Need to know
October 28, 2009
The Hamilton Spectator
(Oct 28, 2009)
How do I know if I should go to the emergency department?
Go to the ER if you develop:
* difficulty breathing or shortness of breath when doing very little or resting
* purple or blue lips
* continuous vomiting or severe diarrhea, especially with signs of dehydration such as dizziness, absence of urination or, in infants, a lack of tears when they cry
* confusion or disorientation
* stiff neck or seizures
Should I send my child to school if there is an outbreak there?
Yes. A healthy child can go to school -- the flu virus is everywhere.
How can I minimize my exposure to the H1N1 flu virus?
* Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60 per cent alcohol.
* Keep your hands away from your face.
* Avoid large crowds where viruses can spread easily. Stay home if you're sick.
* Get immunized.
* Keep common surfaces such as doorknobs and telephones clean and disinfected.
* Eat healthy foods and stay physically active to keep your immune system strong.
Who is eligible to get the vaccine this week?
Anyone at high risk of developing complications:
* people under 65 with chronic medical conditions such as heart or kidney disease, blood disorders, diabetes, asthma, chronic lung disease and severe obesity
* expectant mothers more than 20 weeks pregnant and breastfeeding women
* children six months to five years old
* health-care workers who will be exposed to H1N1 in their work
* caregivers and others in contact with high-risk people who can't be immunized, such as babies under six months
Why is it so important for pregnant women to be immunized?
Pregnant women who get any type of flu have a greater chance of serious health problems and are at higher risk for severe illness with H1N1.
Can I wait for the unadjuvanted vaccine?
Unadjuvanted vaccine, which is not yet available, is only for pregnant women. An adjuvant is a substance added to a vaccine to boost immunity. The World Health Organization recommends pregnant women get the unadjuvanted vaccine where possible, but adjuvanted vaccine could be used if necessary.
Sources: Public Health Agency of Canada, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care, Halton Region Public Health
-- Compiled by Carmela Fragomeni, The Spectator
H1N1: Need to know
October 28, 2009
The Hamilton Spectator
(Oct 28, 2009)
How do I know if I should go to the emergency department?
Go to the ER if you develop:
* difficulty breathing or shortness of breath when doing very little or resting
* purple or blue lips
* continuous vomiting or severe diarrhea, especially with signs of dehydration such as dizziness, absence of urination or, in infants, a lack of tears when they cry
* confusion or disorientation
* stiff neck or seizures
Should I send my child to school if there is an outbreak there?
Yes. A healthy child can go to school -- the flu virus is everywhere.
How can I minimize my exposure to the H1N1 flu virus?
* Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60 per cent alcohol.
* Keep your hands away from your face.
* Avoid large crowds where viruses can spread easily. Stay home if you're sick.
* Get immunized.
* Keep common surfaces such as doorknobs and telephones clean and disinfected.
* Eat healthy foods and stay physically active to keep your immune system strong.
Who is eligible to get the vaccine this week?
Anyone at high risk of developing complications:
* people under 65 with chronic medical conditions such as heart or kidney disease, blood disorders, diabetes, asthma, chronic lung disease and severe obesity
* expectant mothers more than 20 weeks pregnant and breastfeeding women
* children six months to five years old
* health-care workers who will be exposed to H1N1 in their work
* caregivers and others in contact with high-risk people who can't be immunized, such as babies under six months
Why is it so important for pregnant women to be immunized?
Pregnant women who get any type of flu have a greater chance of serious health problems and are at higher risk for severe illness with H1N1.
Can I wait for the unadjuvanted vaccine?
Unadjuvanted vaccine, which is not yet available, is only for pregnant women. An adjuvant is a substance added to a vaccine to boost immunity. The World Health Organization recommends pregnant women get the unadjuvanted vaccine where possible, but adjuvanted vaccine could be used if necessary.
Sources: Public Health Agency of Canada, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care, Halton Region Public Health
-- Compiled by Carmela Fragomeni, The Spectator