NOVEL INFLUENZA A (H1N1) - SWINE FLU INFORMATION

Ottumwa Regional Health Center continues to assess our ongoing readiness, communicate with the IDPH at their audioconferences, and work as a team member for Wapello County public health through the EOC (emergency operations center.)

Novel Influenza A (H1N1) - Novel Flu Fact Sheet from Iowa Department of Public Health - 05/04/09

Novel Influenza A (H1N1) - Swine Flu Fact Sheet - 04/30/09

Novel Influenza A (H1N1) is spread through contact between people.

The virus is spread when someone who has the virus coughs or sneezes on someone else. You can also pick it up by touching an object, such as a door knob, after an individual who has the virus has touched it.

You do not get swine flu from eating pork products or being around pigs.

Now that Novel Influenza A (H1N1) is in Iowa, it’s even more important to take action. Here’s what Iowans can do to protect themselves and loved ones today:

Wash hands frequently. Always wash hands after coughing or sneezing. Use alcohol based hand gels when hand washing is not possible.
Cough or sneeze into a tissue, or your sleeve or elbow.
If you feel ill, even if you think you could ‘tough it out’ at work, STAY HOME!
Don’t send your children to school if they feel ill.
You should call your health care provider and arrange to be seen and tested in a way that will not endanger the health of others if you have:

Temperature over 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.8 degrees Celsius
Extreme tiredness
Coughing
Sore throat
Other Signs of Respiratory Illness


A Novel Influenza A / Swine Influenza Hotline has been established for the public to answer questions about the illness: 1-800-447-1985. Click on the web links below for more information.

Iowa Department of Public Health

Iowa Department of Public Health - Swine Influenza

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Swine Influenza