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Board of Health: H1N1 Flu
The A/H1N1 Flu and You
The Board of Health and the Emergency Management Team have been closely monitoring developments in the A/H1N1 influenza outbreak-the so-called "swine flu"—reviewing our preparedness plans, and following the guidance of the Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control. Response to a possible flu pandemic has been a public health priority for several years, and federal, state, regional, and local agencies have coordinated response plans in place. In Shutesbury we have the tested capability to administer mass vaccination or medication if that should become necessary—it was to develop this capability that we organized our flu shot clinics as exercises of our Emergency Distribution Site (EDS) plan. If pandemic flu comes to Shutesbury we will be able to respond effectively.
Because of the time required to manufacture a new vaccine, vaccine for A/H1N1 will not be available before October at the earliest. Antiviral medications effective against A/H1N1 have been released to the states from the Strategic National Stockpile; these doses are intended to be dispensed only at hospitals and only for confirmed or highly suspect cases of A/H1N1.
For the present, there are a few things for you to do.
One, be vigilant. Try to break the chain of infection. An infectious disease can move through the population like wildfire, but you won't pass it on if you don't get it yourself.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, or if necessary with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer- especially when you're handling things that many others have touched, like door knobs or shopping carts. Keep your unwashed hands away from your face.
If you do get sick-with flu-like symptoms or with anything else-stay home. (And wash your hands.) Keep your kids home from school if they don't feel well. If you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth and nose. It's best if you can use an elbow or a sleeve, but if you use a tissue, discard it immediately. (And wash your hands.)
Two, be prepared. Because many people may be sick at the same time during a pandemic, stores may be closed or low on supplies. Keep extra supplies on hand before a pandemic happens. Specific recommendations are given in the DPH booklet "Flu - What You Can Do," available from the Board of Health or online at the DPH website.
Three, stay informed, through media coverage or websites (listed below); the Board of Health will post regular updates on the town website. The Massachusetts 211 system has a telephone information line, staffed by trained individuals who will answer your questions: dial 211. If this number doesn't work from your phone, use this toll-free number: 1-877-211 MASS (6277). You can also access the 211 website (see below).
If you have something to ask or tell the Shutesbury Board of Health about the flu, please use our public health communication line,(413) 695-7294, rather than our Town Hall office number. If there is urgent need for action, the Board of Health will contact you through the Connect-CTY call-out system. (If you've received recorded calls recently from the Town Administrator, you're on the system. If you aren't but want to be, call 259-1211.)
But before you touch that phone or that keyboard, please—wash your hands!
www.cdc.gov/swineflu
www.mass.gov/dph/swineflu
www.mass211.org/emergencyinfo.html
www.PandemicFlu.gov