H1N1 (Swine) Influenza Update
Linn County Public Health along with Oregon Public Health Officials are carefully monitoring the H1N1 (swine) flu situation in Linn County. Should there be a significant change or important announcements for Linn County, we will post the information here.
H1N1 Immunization Clinics
H1N1 vaccine continues to arrive in Linn County and is being distributed to medical providers and through public vaccination clinics held by the Linn County Public Health Program. As supplies of vaccine have increased, the incidence of influenza has decreased, however often with pandemic flu there is the potential for a "third wave" of increased flu illness.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to urge people to get vaccinated, particularly those in the high risk groups (below). Although vaccine supplies on hand are less than needed to vaccinate the entire Oregon population, the state has opened distribution of the vaccine to include all Oregonians.
Linn County has opened public flu clinics to all county residents and encourages those most at risk (see below) to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Children under age 10 will need two doses of vaccine at least 4 weeks apart. We are scheduling clinics at schools around the county to provide second doses for children who need them and for people who wish to be vaccinated. As supplies continue to increase, vaccine will also become available from many retail pharmacies. Please read below for information about high risk groups
Linn County Health Services has establish an H1N1 flu clinic phone line that will announce public vaccination clinics as soon as they are scheduled. Announcements will also be posted on this web page.
H1N1 Flu Clinic Phone Line: (541) 967-3888, ext. 2456
Next H1N1 Immunization Clinic
Linn Benton
Community College
Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Population: Students and the general community
Linn Benton Community College
Fireside Room in Calapooia Center
6500 Pacific Boulevard Southwest
Albany, Oregon 97321
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Lebanon
Boys and Girls Club
Date: Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Time: 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Population: Students and the general community
Lebanon Boys and Girls Club
305 South 5th Street
Lebanon, Oregon 97355
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West
Albany High School
Date: Thursday, February 4, 2010
Time: 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Population: Students and the general community
West Albany High School
School Cafeteria
1130 Queen Avenue Southwest
Albany, Oregon 97321
view map
Background Information
The 2009 H1N1 virus is a new strain of influenza causing respiratory illness in people. This new virus was first detected in April 2009, and has spread to many countries around the world. In July 2009, the World Health Organization declared the H1N1 virus a pandemic, meaning there is widespread human illness.
It’s important to recognize the symptoms of flu and stay home when sick. What are the differences between seasonal flu, pandemic H1N1 flu and the common cold? When is the time to seek medical care outside the home?
The symptoms of the pandemic H1N1 virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A third of people with H1N1 report having a sore throat. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1, these symptoms have been more common in children. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 and seasonal flu infection. The common cold does not normally have fever or severe illness associated with it. If you think you might be sick, use this H1N1 flu self-evaluation.
How to Protect Yourself
To protect yourself from seasonal flu and pandemic H1N1, make good respiratory etiquette and hygiene habits a part of your daily routine.
- Get your seasonal flu vaccination. While this does not protect you from pandemic H1N1, it will keep you healthy and fight off seasonal flu.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and then throw the tissue away.
- If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze or use the restroom and before eating. If you are not near soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth as germs often spread this way.
- Stay away from people who are sick.
- If you get sick, stay home from work or school.
H1N1 Vaccination Information
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from the flu. Because pandemic H1N1 flu is circulating in Oregon along with the seasonal flu viruses, people may need more than one vaccination to protect themselves from the flu this year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends certain high risk groups receive the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it becomes available.
| Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old |
| Adults 65 years of age and older |
| Pregnant women |
| Asthma |
| Neurological and neuro-developmental conditions [including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury) |
| Chronic lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and cystic fibrosis) |
| Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease) |
| Chronic lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and cystic fibrosis) |
| Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease) |
| Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease) |
| Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus) |
| Kidney disorders |
| Liver disorders |
| Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders) |
| Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer, or those on chronic steroids) |
| People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy |
Seasonal Flu Vaccine
Seasonal flu viruses circulate each year from fall through spring. The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) urges children ages 6 months to 19 years, people 50 years and older, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions and health care workers to receive a seasonal flu vaccination. The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you from pandemic H1N1 virus, but it will help you fight infection from other seasonal flu viruses.
Resources
CDC - Vaccine Information Sheet for H1N1 Flu Shot
CDC - Vaccine Information Sheet for H1N1 Nasal Mist
CDC - H1N1 Question and Answer for Clinicians
CDC - Vaccine
Information and Resources
U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services - Vaccination Information for Individuals and Families
National Updates
For additional information about swine influenza in people, visit the CDC Web site.
State of Oregon Updates
The Oregon Public Health website http://www.flu.oregon.gov/ is updated regularly to provide information such as how to identify swine flu, prevent its spread as well as materials that employers, medical providers, schools, parents and others may use.
Oregon Information Line
The Oregon H1N1 Information line is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please call 1-800-978-3040 for answers to your questions about H1N1 flu.
Linn County Weekly Updates
H1N1 Weekly Situation Update
from Linn County Public Health (LCPH).
Last Updated on: 12-07-2009
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