The Flu

H1N1 (swine) Flu

H1N1 flu (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. More...

Fact Sheets

Toolkits

CDC Recommendations

Additional Guidance

Multimedia Resources

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H1N1 Vaccine

Vaccine is offered free of charge to anyone in the general public at selected locations as vaccine supply permits.

Upcoming Clinics

H1N1 vaccine will be offered at each of HCPH's 13 immunization clinics across the county. No charge; no appointment necessary. Find locations here.

Children nine and younger should receive two doses of H1N1 flu vaccine – separated by four weeks – in order to achieve optimal protection. If you are seeking a second dose for your child, the first dose must have been received 28 days on or before the second dose is administered.

H1N1 vaccine is available in two forms – injectable and nasal spray. The injectable is a killed virus and is appropriate for most people to receive. The nasal spray (FluMist) is a live, but weakened virus vaccine and only available for healthy people 2 – 49  who are not pregnant. Both types of vaccine are used yearly to prevent seasonal flu and are very safe.

Fact Sheets

Vaccine Information Statements

Vaccine Safety Hotline 1-877-603-0170
It is expected that some people may experience minor side effects from the vaccination. After the injection a person may experience soreness of the arm, mild redness or swelling at the injection site and mild fever (less than 102 degrees F) or fatigue that may last for 1-2 days.  People who receive the nasal spray may experience a stuffy or runny nose in addition to minor fever and fatigue.  These side effects may improve with over the counter medications that reduce pain and fever such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen).  These medications should be used according to labeled directions.  Serious side effects are not expected and should be discussed with a physician.
 
Please review the Vaccine Information Statement that you received (it is also posted above).  If you have concerns or need advice about side effects or believe you are having an adverse reaction, please call the Vaccine Safety Hotline at 1-877-603-0170.  It is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide advice.

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H1N1 Resources for Physicians

Information specific for clinicians can be found below. As well, CDC offers a wealth of resources here.

When to Test for H1N1 Influenza
Algorithm for Testing for Influenza A H1N1 Virus

CDC Recommendations

Clinician Registry for Terrorism and Emergency Response Updates
CDC has set up a free registry to provide clinicians with real-time information to help prepare for (and possibly respond to) terrorism and other emergency events. Participants will receive regular e-mail updates on terrorism and other emergency issues and on training opportunities relevant to clinicians. To sign up for the registry and receive e-mail updates, please visit http://emergency.cdc.gov/clinregistry/.
 

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Volunteers

Hamilton County Public Health is looking for people to assist with Points of Dispensing (POD) for H1N1 flu vaccine. More...

All registered H1N1 flu vaccine clinic volunteers should review and/or complete the following safety training:

Needle Stick Prevention
For all Medical Volunteers (takes approx. 5 minutes)

If you do not have Microsoft PowerPoint on your computer:
Download Powerpoint Viewer http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?  FamilyID=048DC840-14E1-467D-8DCA-19D2A8FD7485&displaylang=en

Bloodborne Pathogen Training
For all Medical Volunteers who have not had recent (12 months) Bloodborne Pathogen Training (takes approx. 1 hour)

  1. Go to cpd.uc.edu  Click on Continuing Education for Healthcare Professionals
  2. Click on Member Login on the left-hand menu.**
  3. Once logged in, click on Compliance Training on the left-hand menu and then click Bloodborne Pathogens Training.
  4. Select Bloodborne Pathogens – Web Course.
  5. Complete Modules and print Certificate

**Login note: CPD is available to both UC and non-UC users. Individuals who are associated with UC or have registered previously enter their login credentials where indicated on the login page. For those who have not previously used CPD they complete the login section for New Users (bottom of the page). This is a self-registration page. Once they register their username (email address) a password will be emailed to them. At that point they login to CPD by entering their new credentials in the Non UC users section and complete the course.

If you experience any difficulty in logging in or completing the course they can contact UC via email by using the Technical Support link on the left hand menu or by calling their customer support line: 558-2101.

Special thanks to Dawn O’Neill and the Office of Research of the University of Cincinnati for use of this training program.

Safe Lifting and Carrying
For all Non-Medical Volunteers (takes less than 5 minutes)

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Key Facts

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. More…

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Prevention

Vaccinations, good health habits and antiviral drugs can help prevent the Flu. More…

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If you are Sick

If you are sick, you should stay home until you are free of fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicine for at least 24 hours.

It is very difficult to distinguish the flu from other infections on the basis of symptoms alone. A doctor's exam may be needed to tell whether you have developed the flu or a complication of the flu. If you develop flu-like symptoms and are concerned about your illness, especially if are at high risk for complications of the flu, you should consult your health-care provider. More…

 

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Seasonal Flu Shots

Information about area flu shot locations is updated in early Fall. When flu shot information is available, you can find a location one of two ways: search online or call (513) 931-SHOT.

Hamilton County Public Health is currently out of seasonal flu vaccine for individuals 3 years of age through adult. There is a small quantity of vaccine available for infants age 6 months through 35 months.

Additional information for flu shot providers nationwide can be found here http://www.flucliniclocator.org/.

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