October 29, 2009
The 2009 H1N1 influenza activity is widespread across the state and continues to increase in all five public health regions. There is no indication that H1N1 virus has changed or is more severe than it was in the spring, although hospitalizations are on the rise due to widespread illness. Since the spring, there have been 14 H1N1-related deaths in Wisconsin.
The CDC indicates that most people with 2009 H1N1 have had mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs and the same is true of seasonal flu. Most healthy individuals will recover from the 2009 H1N1 illness by staying home and getting the rest they need, while taking over-the-counter medications to help relieve their symptoms.
The H1N1 influenza vaccine is still being distributed slowly and in small incremental amounts to the public health and health care facilities. As we are receiving supplies we are trying to cover the recommended subset target groups suggested by the CDC and State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services. As of October 27, 2009 the following subset target groups are being recommended for vaccination:
•Pregnant women
•Persons who live with or provide care for infants age 6 months or younger (example: parents, siblings, daycare providers)
•Health care and emergency medical service personnel who have direct contact with patients or infectious materials
•Children age 6 months – 4 years
•Children and adolescents age 5 – 18 years who have chronic medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications
As we continue to receive the H1N1 vaccine we will be contacting departments and letting them know when they can get their vaccination.
 |
|
