Pandemic

H1N1 Flu Update

General

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Ohio Department of Health have changed the process in which H1N1 flu is reported. Individual cases of H1N1 flu will no longer be reported. Instead, public health surveillance for this virus will now be identical to that done for seasonal influenza viruses. This system will still allow health officials to determine when and where flu activity is occurring, track flu-related illness, determine what flu viruses are circulating, detect changes in flu viruses and measure the impact of flu on hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S.

Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Board of Health continue heightened surveillance as a result of the H1N1 flu outbreak. Both health departments are collaborating with the Ohio Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Ohio Department of Health Surveillance Information

CDC Surveillance Information (Q&A)

Frequently Asked Questions, click HERE.

Residents of Central Ohio may reach our information hotline by calling 211 or (614) 221-2255, where trained personnel can provide health and safety information regarding the current H1N1 outbreak. 

Links

Downloads

For Parents

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Franklin County Board of Health have new guidelines for K-12 Schools to address influenza (particularly H1N1 in 2009-10). These agencies recognize the need to balance the risks of person to person illness in populated areas with the benefits of keeping students in school. Specific steps have been outlined for students, parents, and schools.

Based on current flu conditions, the CDC recommends that schools have students and staff with flu-like illness stay home at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen) even if antiviral medicines are being used.

Prevention Measures
The CDC and the Franklin County Board of Health point out these “action steps” everyone can do to prevent H1N1 and seasonal flu:
•    Get a seasonal flu shot.
•    Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
•    Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder; NOT into your hands.
•    Wash your hands and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, particularly after you cough or sneeze.
•    Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
•    Avoid close contact with sick people.
•    Get the H1N1 flu vaccine when it’s available.

Parent Resources
Health agencies and the school district recommend parents plan ahead with caregivers in the event their child may become ill. Here are specific links to assist parents with H1N1 and seasonal flu:   
Flu Symptoms & Severity (CDC)
What to Do If You Get Flu-Like Symptoms (CDC)
H1N1 Guide Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home

Downloads

Links