2009 News
October 23, 2009
Update on Bucks County Health Department Coordination of H1N1 Preparation and Response
The Bucks County Health Department is committed to protecting the well-being of the county’s 620,000 residents. To that end, the Health Department is actively planning the distribution of H1N1 vaccine to one of the most vulnerable public groups – school children.
“H1N1 influenza is circulating widely in Bucks County, and disease activity is expected to increase during the coming weeks,” stated county Health Director Dr. David Damsker, MPH. “We are working in a coordinated fashion with our partners within the region and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It’s also important to be aware that colds and other viruses are circulating through the community as well.”
Bucks County Health Department officials have met with the superintendents of all 13 county school districts, mapping out a plan to distribute H1N1 vaccine to students. This effort involves individual district assistance in disseminating permission slips and setting up inoculation centers within each district.
“As more vaccine arrives, it will be distributed through schools, medical offices and public walk-in clinics,” Dr. Damsker continued. “We are urging public understanding and patience as the vaccine remains in short supply. Priority groups will be targeted first.”
Priority groups for H1N1 vaccination include:
- pregnant women
- people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
- health care and emergency medical services personnel
- persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age
- people from ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems
Dr. Damsker notes that several underlying conditions make the flu more dangerous for certain populations. Examples include those with respiratory conditions, those who are immune-suppressed, those with heart disease, pregnant women and obese individuals. His advice for those experiencing flu-like symptoms – check with your doctor. H1N1 causes symptoms similar to seasonal flu and can include:
- *Fever over 100°F
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
And in some cases:
(*) Not everyone with flu will have a fever.
People infected with H1N1 are contagious one (1) day before getting sick, and up to seven (7) days after that. This time period can be even longer in children and people with weakened immune systems.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health cautions anyone with the above symptoms to stay at home (except to get medical care) until at least 24 hours after the fever ends naturally (without the use of fever-reducing medication). Do not attempt to go to school or work. Doing so could spread the virus to those who are otherwise well.
In order to protect themselves through proper hygiene practices, residents are urged to take the following steps:
- Cover your cough;
- Wash your hands frequently and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- If you have a fever, stay home for at least 24 hours after that fever has ended;
- Get a vaccine when it becomes available;
- Maintain a clean personal environment.
For more information about flu-related issues, please visit www.flu.gov or click on the blue button on the home page of the official Bucks County Web site, www.BucksCounty.org. For more tips on preparedness, visit www.BucksCounty.org/ReadyBucks.