Pandemic H1N1 Influenza

Columbus/Franklin County Alert 

Flu refers to illnesses caused by a number of different influenza viruses. Flu can cause a range of symptoms and effects, from mild to lethal. Two strains of flu are currently circulating in the United States: 1) seasonal flu and 2) pandemic H1N1 flu. This pandemic H1N1 flu is made up of bird (avian), swine and human flu viruses, that is why we are no longer calling it just "swine" flu.

Health officials expect that more cases, hospitalizations and deaths from this pandemic will occur during the 2009-2010 flu season. Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Board of Health are collaborating with the Ohio Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Prevent Getting and Spreading the Flu

• Get a seasonal flu shot (seasonal flu clinics)
• Stay home from work or school if you are sick
• Cover your cough with your arm or tissue
• Wash your hands often and use alcohol–based hand sanitizer (60% or greater alcohol)
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth
• Avoid close contact with sick people
• Get the H1N1 vaccine when available (more about H1N1 vaccine)

Symptoms of H1N1

The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to seasonal flu, but may be more severe. These can include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue (tiredness), and vomiting or diarrhea for some.

Anyone with flu-like symptoms should stay home at least 24 hours after being fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medications.

Pregnant women are at greater risk for getting very sick with the flu. If you are pregnant and become sick, contact your doctor right away. 

H1N1 Flu Vaccine

H1N1 vaccine is now available to everyone who wants one, regardless of age or medical condition. The potential for widespread flu is still very strong, so getting vaccinated is still important.  Learn more at H1N1 Flu Vaccine Clinic Information.

Clinic sites will be listed at  www.ColumbusPandemicFlu.org.

H1N1 Case Reporting

We are no longer counting individual confirmed H1N1 cases, based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We are tracking the disease in our community by looking at emergency room visits for influenza like illness (ILI); hospitalizations for influenza; school absenteeism; prescription medications for ILI treatment and over the counter medication sales to treat ILI.  These are reported weekly.  View at Columbus and Franklin County Influenza Surveillance Reports.

Stay Informed 

Columbus & Franklin County Flu Planning, Preparing and H1N1 Vaccine Clinics
www.ColumbusPandemicFlu.org

Central Ohio Community Flu Hotline - 211 
Call 211 or (614) 221-2255 for general flu questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Health Care Provider Guidelines
Communicable Disease Reporting System

Local Seasonal Flu Vaccine information
For Adults: http://www.vaccine4me.com  or call  (614) 437-2900 or toll-free at (888) 202-1319
For Children: Columbus Immunization Clinic  or  Franklin County Board of Health

Ohio information: http://www.odh.ohio.gov

U.S. information: www.flu.gov