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The CDC (Center for Disease Control) is predicting a resurgence of the H1N1 virus, or Swine Flu this fall The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with novel H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Precautions that you can take include the following. •Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you are without tissues, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow. •Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze or after touching common surfaces. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. •Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way. •Try to avoid close contact with sick people. •A 2 shot series vaccine is in development but may not be available until a least early November. This vaccine will not replace the need for an annual flu shot to guard against the seasonal flu. Consult your private health care provider regarding your individual needs. Be prepared. Don’t wait until you are sick to stock your home with necessary items that may be in high demand in the community. You should have the following items available: •A thermometer •A supply of fever reducing medications such as acetaminophen (tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) in age appropriate type and dosing that meets the needs of your family •Beverages and soups to replenish body fluids. If you become ill: •If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has subsided. Fevers associated with viral illnesses often appear to be gone and then return at irregular time intervals. Begin counting the 24 hour period 6-8 hours after the last dose of fever reducing medication has been taken. •Consult your private health care provider if your symptoms persist or if the treatment you are using at home is ineffective. •When reporting the absence from school, please let us know if your son or daughter is home due to flu like illness rather than a general illness. This information will help the Health Department document trends in an influenza outbreak. The following is information provided by the State of New Jersey to NJ schools: NJ State H1N1 Call Center - 1-866-321-9571 – New Jersey is operating a toll- free public information hotline on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The information line number is 1-866-321-9571. Call center operators will be able to provide general information about H1N1, vaccine safety and availability information, symptoms of H1N1 and flu preventive measures. H1N1 Vaccine is Safe – All vaccines, including the H1N1 vaccine, are held to the highest standard of safety and are continually monitored. Each year, millions of Americans safely receive seasonal flu vaccines. The H1N1 vaccine is made the same way as seasonal flu vaccine by the same companies that make seasonal flu vaccine. The National Institute of Health (NIH) has conducted clinical trials for the H1N1 vaccine. The vaccine has been tested and safely used in children, pregnant woman, and adults. State H1N1 Resource Center / Flu Shot Locator – The most up-to-date H1N1 influenza information can be found at: www.nj.gov/health/flu/h1n1. This website includes links on where to find seasonal flu shots. When the H1N1 vaccine is more widely available, this website will also have a search engine to find where you can get your H1N1 vaccine. H1N1 Vaccine will Arrive in Stages Over a Three-Month Period – Shipments of the H1N1 vaccine will continue to arrive throughout this month and into November and December. Vaccine availability will be very limited at first and will increase over time. Refer to the following sources to find more information regarding the H1N1 virus

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