San Jose, Ca. – Over the next few weeks, supplies of the H1N1 influenza vaccine will continue to be limited. The Santa Clara County Public Health Department (PHD) has been informed that 85 Santa Clara County private and public medical providers will be receiving vaccine this week, but the quantities are still going to be limited. Conduct a health check every day. If you or your child begins to show flu-like symptoms, stay home from school or work and monitor the illness. H1N1 flu symptoms can come on quickly and usually include fever (over 100 ºF), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and extreme tiredness. Many people who have been infected with the H1N1 virus have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.“With limited supplies of the H1N1 flu vaccine, it’s important for those of us who are healthy to wait until the vaccine is widely available,” said Ken Yeager, Santa Clara County Supervisor. “Most healthy people who get sick from this virus will recover without any medical care. But people who are at risk for complications could end up hospitalized or worse, so it is very important to get them the vaccine first.” Due to limited supplies of the H1N1 vaccine, the PHD is recommending the following groups get the vaccine first:
Since many Santa Clara County residents have been unable to get vaccinated and are concerned, the Public Health Department has provided the following guidelines about what to do when sick with the H1N1 flu and when to seek medical care. Get plenty of rest and make sure to drink lots of water and other clear liquids. You can treat fevers and aches with over-the-counter flu medicines. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Stay home until you no longer have a fever for at least 24 hours – without taking any fever-reducing medications. Most healthy people who get sick with H1N1 will recover without medical treatment. If you are in one of the following groups, you should contact your medical provider at the first signs of flu-like illness and talk to them about getting antiviral medications:
If you are a healthy person and get sick with the flu, call your doctor right way if:
Contact: Joy Alexiou 408-595-2936 Public Information Officer Santa Clara County Public Health Department |