H1N1 Information

LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS PLAN FOR FLU SEASON

Dubuque public health officials are preparing for the coming flu season and urge local residents and organizations to take some simple preventative measures. “We are working closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH),” said Mary Rose Corrigan, RN, Public Health Specialist. “On the local level, we are coordinating with schools, health care providers and businesses to keep residents healthy and minimize the potential impact of the flu, both the seasonal and Novel H1N1 strains.”

There are simple steps local residents can take to help protect themselves, their families, and their communities from the seasonal and H1N1 influenza virus. Residents should receive the seasonal influenza vaccine and, if appropriate, get the H1N1 vaccine.

H1N1 vaccinations continue to be available to all Iowa residents.
Allocations of H1N1 vaccine have increased statewide; this makes it possible to expand those eligible to be vaccinated past the initial target priority groups to the general population. Influenza activity continues to decrease; however, H1N1 is still circulating in Dubuque County and throughout Iowa. Public health officials predict another wave of H1N1 illness will occur after the holidays, coinciding with what is typically the time Iowa sees the highest rates of seasonal flu activity - January and February.

“Being immunized as soon as possible will give Dubuque County residents protection against this possible third wave of H1N1 illness”, said Dr. John Viner, M.D. “It will also prevent the spread of the virus to others.”

Local healthcare providers continue to offer H1N1 vaccine to their patients. Vaccination clinics are also held on Mondays and Fridays at the Dubuque VNA, 1454 Iowa St.; Call 556-6200 for an appointment. Walk-in clinics are held each Wednesday afternoon at Crescent Community Health Center, 1798 Elm Street; no appointment necessary. Both clinics are free.

Additionally, it’s important to remember the “three Cs”:

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
• Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
• Contain germs by staying home when ill.

Not everyone with influenza symptoms will be tested for H1N1, and only hospitalizations and deaths due to H1N1 will be reported to health officials. Sentinel testing sites are set up throughout the state, which will provide information on how the H1N1 Novel A Influenza virus is affecting the population. Dubuque County schools are educating students and parents on influenza symptoms, and what to do if illness occurs.

A statewide toll-free hotline has been established for public questions about seasonal and H1N1 influenza
at 1-800-447-1985.

Click here for information on H1N1 Vaccine Safety

Mary Rose Corrigan, RN, Public Health Specialist
Phone: 563-589-4181

Information is also available at the following websites:

Center for Disease Control

Iowa Department of Public Health