H1N1 Update for Iowa

Local health partners are working together to stay informed on H1N1 as it evolves and how it could potentially affect the Kossuth County area.  Community Health, Kossuth Regional Health Center healthcare providers and hospital staff are keeping abreast with the ongoing issues surrounding H1N1 and any possible vaccines that are being developed.

Novel H1N1 was declared to be at pandemic levels on June 11, 2009. The United States had confirmed cases of H1N1 in the summer of 2009. The southern hemisphere is in their regular influenza season and they are reporting that the Novel influenza virus is spreading and causing illness. Fall and winter will bring influenza back to our minds.

Please remember to stay healthy and help limit the spread of seasonal flu and Novel H1N1 flu as well as many other diseases with the following healthy habits:

Take everyday actions to stay healthy

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Dispose of tissues promptly. Wash hands promptly and frequently or use hand sanitizers - especially after you cough. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you are ill. Limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Perform environment cleaning to kill germs.

Follow public health advice

• Get your flu shot for both season flu and the Novel H1N1 influenza as soon as available
• Follow recommendations regarding social distancing, cancellations of large gatherings as suggested

Stay informed

 The Novel H1N1 influenza situation is changing rapidly and you can use various sources to get the latest information:

• KRHC Community Health hotline at 515-295-4451
• Iowa Department of Public Health website at http://www.idph.state.ia.us/h1n1/
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

The symptoms of H1N1 in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and may include:

• Fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C)
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Stuffy nose
• Chills
• Headache and body aches
• Fatigue
• Along with illness, travel to an affected area or contact with a confirmed H1N1 case must be identified.

Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

If you are experiencing the symptoms listed above, call your doctor or clinic for an appointment right away.

When you make the appointment, tell the doctor your symptoms, where you have traveled, and if you had close contact with a person infected with H1N1.  Be sure to ask for specific instructions on where to see your healthcare provider.