SMG 2009-10 Flu Guidelines
During the current flu season, fall 2009-spring 2010, the predominant influenza strain is the H1N1, (Swine Flu) strain. Vaccination will be available in mid-October and will be initially offered to the following high risk groups:
- pregnant women
- people who live or care for children younger than 6 months of age
- health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient
contact
people who have chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart or lung disease, and those with comprised immune systems due to disease or chemotherapy treatments.
Following the completion of these patients and as supplies allow, we will open this vaccination up to all adults over the age of 17.
Seasonal influenza vaccination is available starting Tuesday, September, 22, 2009 at SMG. You can obtain this during your regular appointment at SMG or call us for an appointment for the vaccine at your convenience. We recommend this vaccine for all adults.
Additional Steps You Can Take to Protect Prevent the Flu
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick.
- While sick, limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Visit the CDC website (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/) to find out what to do if you get sick with the flu and how to care for someone at home who is sick with the flu.
STAY INFORMED! Review the following information:
- CDC Says “Take 3” Actions to Fight the Flu
- California Department of Public Health
- Stanford University Info on Pandemic Influenza
- Find a Flu Shot in your Community
- SMG Viral Illness Self-Care
Last Updated 9.19.09 _ PM Ford, MD
