FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –August 31, 2009

Don’t wait to get a seasonal flu vaccine

As reports of seasonal influenza and H1N1 surface, area Health Departments urge metro residents and visitors to take precautions now to protect themselves and those around them. Although H1N1 vaccine is not yet available, seasonal flu vaccine is available at many locations.

“People should take precautions like getting a seasonal flu shot now to protect themselves and those around them from the seasonal flu,” said Donna Martin, director of the Leavenworth County Health Department. “The longer they wait to get that vaccination, the longer they are at risk for being infected, and seasonal flu tends to have more serious symptoms for most of the population. They also run the risk of being infected with both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu.”

Simple steps can be taken to prevent or decrease the spread of both seasonal flu and H1N1:

• Get your seasonal flu shot now while it is available. The seasonal flu regularly kills about 30,000 Americans each year, while the World Health Organization reports less than 2000 deaths from H1N1 world-wide so far this year.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. This is the simplest step you can take to keep from picking up the virus from surfaces. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work.
• If you cough or sneeze, cover it with your elbow or a tissue, and throw the tissue away. This way your germs aren’t on your hands or spraying through the air.
• If you get sick, stay home and take care of yourself. Unless you experience extreme symptoms, a visit to the emergency room is not necessary. If you go to a clinic, doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead so precautions can be taken.
• Listen for information. More information will be made available when the H1N1 vaccine arrives in the metro.  Remember that the H1N1 vaccine will not protect you from seasonal flu, just as the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you from H1N1.

“It is important to remember that H1N1 has been going around all summer, along with other illnesses with flu-like symptoms,” said Tiffany Klassen, director of the Cass County Health Department. “However, as the school year starts back up, there is more chance for students to be exposed to others who may be infected and then take it home to their families.”

Symptoms for both seasonal flu and H1N1 may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, head ache, chills and fatigue.

For more information on this topic, contact your local health department.

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