INFORMATION FOR OUR MEMBERS & STAFF

Community Health Partnership, Inc. (CHP) wants its members and staff to be safe and healthy.  Public health officials at all levels (federal, state, county) continue to monitor outbreaks of H1N1 flu. CHP remains actively involved in these efforts. Please note that the measures individuals can take to protect themselves and their families from the spread of seasonal flu are much the same as those recommended for H1N1 flu.                                                            

Additional Flu-Related Information

For the most up-to-date flu information, please select from the links below:

• Wisconsin Pandemic Flu Resource
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
• U.S. Government Pandemic Flu
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Pandemic Influenza Toolkit for Families
• Eau Claire County Flu Preparedness

I'm Confused....What is the difference between seasonal flu and this H1N1 (swine) flu I keep hearing about in the news?

Each year the United States and much of the rest of world suffer through seasonal flu -- a period lasting roughly fall through spring. In the spring of 2009, a strain of influenza developed that had some characteristics of a type of virus that infects swine. It was immediately named swine flu in the media, although no swine in the U.S. were infected with the virus. The proper name for this flu is the novel A H1N1 (swine flu), although it is often shortened to H1N1 flu. The H1N1 flu virus is very different from types of seasonal viruses.

Symptoms

The symptoms of both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu are very similar. A lab test is usually required to determine whether a person has the seasonal or H1N1 flu. Symptoms include:

• Chills and fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches and pains
• Sore throat, dry cough
• Runny nose, nasal congestion
• Fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite

Some people infected with the H1N1 virus have also experienced vomiting and diarrhea. People with chronic medical conditions may experience other symptoms related to their condition.

Vaccinations

The seasonal flu vaccine must be changed each year to accommodate different strains of the flu virus This is why it is important to get a seasonal flu shot each year. The effectiveness of the shot will last the entire seasonal flu period and won't wear off. The seasonal flu vaccine will NOT protect against the H1N1 virus. Individuals will still need to get vaccinated for the H1N1 flu.

Treatment  

The treatment for routine infections of the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu are the same, although additional symptoms caused by the H1N1 flu may require extra care. Individuals should consult his/her physician about which over-the-counter medicines are appropriate for young children or people with other medical conditions.

Transmission of Viruses

It is generally believed that both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu are spread in the same manner. The viruses spread when infected persons cough or sneeze. Using a tissue to cover your mouth and nose is helpful in containing the viruses. It is also possible to contract the viruses by touching an object (such as a telephone, computer keyboard/mouse, eating utensils, etc.) that an infected person has handled. A person is contagious up to one day before symptoms appear. These individuals should stay away from work, school, or day care for one day after their fever has subsided.  

Prevention

It is best to avoid contact with people who have the seasonal or H1N1 flu. However, this is not always possible, especially for parents or caregivers who are responsible for people with the flu.

One of the best ways to reduce your chances of contracting either the seasonal flu or the H1N1 flu is to frequently wash your hands. Proper hand washing includes wetting your hands with warm water and lathering with soap. Wash your hands for 15 to 20 seconds. A good way to remember this time span is to silently sing "Happy Birthday" to yourself twice. You may also consider using an alcohol-base hand sanitizer when washing your hands is not practical. This prevention technique is useful if you must handle objects that may have been touched by an infected person.

If you have someone in your household that is ill with the flu, use sanitizing wipes to clean surfaces such as toys, counter tops, telephones, etc.

Persons with the flu should not go to work and children should not be sent to school or day care. This may help them get well sooner and will help prevent the spreading of viruses to others.

Resources

Your doctor is your best resource regarding your care. Unless you have an urgent or emergency situation, it is always best to contact your primary care provider if you develop flu-like symptoms or illness. Your regular pharmacy is your best source for over-the-counter medications if they are needed. CHP members should contact their CHP care team to let them know of any symptoms or illness the member is experiencing.