Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Union County health officials urge residents to prepare for flu season
Staff Report ? September 29, 2009
ELIZABETH ?
With school back in session and flu season upon us, the Union County Freeholder Board and County Office of Health Management is urging all residents to prepare themselves and their families to respond to an unpredictable flu season.
In the spring of 2009, Union County was part of the world-wide outbreak of the novel H1N1 influenza virus and experienced illnesses, as well as deaths due to the virus. Because seasonal influenza is typically unpredictable, public health officials have been monitoring closely the southern hemisphere for H1N1 flu activity and have not seen a typical decrease in activity in the off season. Therefore, health officials expect to see a resurgence of seasonal as well as H1N1 influenza in the fall.
In preparation for the flu season, state, county and local health departments are collaborating closely with county and local school superintendents to reduce illness in schools countywide and limit disruption of day-to-day activities. As health officials learn more about the virus, guidelines and recommendations may change.
Over the summer months, health officers throughout Union County met on a regular basis with the County Executive Superintendent of Schools, Local Superintendent of Schools, New Jersey Department of Education and Department of Health and Senior Services to prepare plans for responding to the anticipated resurgence of H1N1 influenza in the fall.
The United States Department of Homeland Security, Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have ordered 193 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine that is anticipated to start delivery to health care providers and local health departments in mid-October.
Residents who do come down with flu-like illnesses are advised to stay home to prevent the spread of illness to others and to give their bodies time to recover. Adults and children should stay at home until they are fever-free for 24 hours (without the help of fever-reducing drugs).
Vaccinations are covered by most insurance plans. Consumers can call 888-FLU-SHOT or go to www.cvs.com to find a list of vaccination locations.
The best prevention and protection is to say informed of the latest guidelines, updates and recommendations from public health officials. Contact the Union County office of Health Management at 908-518-5620 or visit www.ucnj.org/lincs, www.cdc.gov or www.nj.gov/health for more information.
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20090929/HEALTH/90929020/1017/RSS04
Staff Report ? September 29, 2009
ELIZABETH ?
With school back in session and flu season upon us, the Union County Freeholder Board and County Office of Health Management is urging all residents to prepare themselves and their families to respond to an unpredictable flu season.
In the spring of 2009, Union County was part of the world-wide outbreak of the novel H1N1 influenza virus and experienced illnesses, as well as deaths due to the virus. Because seasonal influenza is typically unpredictable, public health officials have been monitoring closely the southern hemisphere for H1N1 flu activity and have not seen a typical decrease in activity in the off season. Therefore, health officials expect to see a resurgence of seasonal as well as H1N1 influenza in the fall.
In preparation for the flu season, state, county and local health departments are collaborating closely with county and local school superintendents to reduce illness in schools countywide and limit disruption of day-to-day activities. As health officials learn more about the virus, guidelines and recommendations may change.
Over the summer months, health officers throughout Union County met on a regular basis with the County Executive Superintendent of Schools, Local Superintendent of Schools, New Jersey Department of Education and Department of Health and Senior Services to prepare plans for responding to the anticipated resurgence of H1N1 influenza in the fall.
The United States Department of Homeland Security, Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have ordered 193 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine that is anticipated to start delivery to health care providers and local health departments in mid-October.
Residents who do come down with flu-like illnesses are advised to stay home to prevent the spread of illness to others and to give their bodies time to recover. Adults and children should stay at home until they are fever-free for 24 hours (without the help of fever-reducing drugs).
Vaccinations are covered by most insurance plans. Consumers can call 888-FLU-SHOT or go to www.cvs.com to find a list of vaccination locations.
The best prevention and protection is to say informed of the latest guidelines, updates and recommendations from public health officials. Contact the Union County office of Health Management at 908-518-5620 or visit www.ucnj.org/lincs, www.cdc.gov or www.nj.gov/health for more information.
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20090929/HEALTH/90929020/1017/RSS04