Swine Influenza H1N1
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H1N1 Vaccine Clinics
Description
Characteristics of Concern
Precautionary Measures
More Resources
H1N1 Vaccine Clinics
H1N1 vaccine appointments are available for those who are in the priority groups recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Those groups include: Pregnant women; people who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age; health care and emergency medical personnel; anyone from 6 months through 24 years of age, and anyone from 25 through 64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system. Clinics will be scheduled based on vaccine availability.
For more information, please visit the DuPage County Web site. To make an appointment, please call (866) 311-1123.
Google Maps has launched a Google Flu Shot Locator map that allows people to search for locations where H1N1 and seasonal flu shots are provided based on ZIP code. Be sure to note whether the locations in your search results have any of the vaccine in stock. Please also note that the map is in high demand right now and may take some time to load.
For more information, visit the Google Flu Shot Locator map.
Disclaimer: the City of Naperville is not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided on the map. Please use the information solely as a guideline and contact the locations listed to inquire directly as to vaccine availability as this may change faster than the map is updated.
Description
Swine influenza is common among pig populations in the United States, and leads to a high rate of illness, but low mortality rates. Symptoms in pigs include sudden onset of fever, depression, coughing (barking), discharge from the nose or eyes, sneezing, breathing difficulties, eye redness or inflammation, and going off feed. Outbreaks in pig populations typically occur in late fall and winter. The infection rate for humans contracting the disease is typically low, and accompanied by close contact with swine. The current cases do not follow this pattern.1
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. 2
Information about the city's response to the Swine Flu outbreak is available in a April 27, 2009 press release.
Characteristics of Concern
The current swine influenza outbreak exhibits unusual characteristics of concern:
- The outbreak is affecting adults and spreading through human-to-human transmissions, which is atypical as influenza typically targets young children and elderly individuals, and human contraction of swine influenza is normally associated with close contact with pigs; and
- Although the outbreaks in Mexico and the United States have been genetically linked, the United States has experienced no fatalities related to the outbreak, whereas 16 deaths in Mexico have been confirmed as resulting from the swine influenza, and the Government of Mexico is investigating additional cases.
Basic precautionary measures can help to prevent the further spread of the disease, including frequent hand washing, and avoiding exposure to symptomatic individuals.
More key facts about Swine Influenza are available on the Illinois Department of Public Health's Web site.
Precautionary Measures
Individuals who have recently traveled to Mexico and are exhibiting influenza-like symptoms should seek medical guidance. The CDC is encouraging individuals in the impacted areas of California, Texas, and those traveling to Mexico to take everyday preventive actions such as:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after use;
- Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective;
- Avoid close contact with anyone who appears sick;
- If you get sick, stay home from work or school, and limit contact with others; and
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. 3
More Resources
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Facts about Swine Influenza (Swine Flu), available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/key_facts.htm.
2 Centers for Disease Control, Swine Influenza and You, available at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm
3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Human Swine Influenza Investigation, available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/investigation.htm.
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