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Info You Can Use: Seasonal Flu and 2009 H1N1 Flu
As you know flu season is upon us. On average, more than 200,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die each year from seasonal flu-related illness. This year we are faced with not just seasonal flu, but with the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. Optima Health and our parent company, Sentara Healthcare, are making plans to address this very serious threat.
Read more (.pdf)
Southside Area Hospitals Announce Visiting Policy Change (.pdf)
Richmond Area Hospitals Announce Visiting Policy Change (.pdf)
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Where Can I Get My Seasonal Flu Shot?
You can get your seasonal flu shot at a participating pharmacy. The availability of the flu vaccine may change over the course of flu season. Please call to confirm availability before going to any of the locations listed on the document linked to below. If you do not see your pharmacy on the list, please check back as the list is updated regularly.
Download a list of participating pharmacies
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What is H1N1 (Swine) Influenza?
Novel H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
On Sept. 8, 2009 the CDC answered questions on their newly released revised antiviral guidance* for treatment of H1N1 influenza. Most individuals who are infected do not need to be tested or receive antiviral medicines, such as Tamiflu® and Relenza®. This is to prevent overuse and potential antiviral resistance.
For up-to-date information about H1N1 flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site*
H1N1 Flu Vaccine Information Statement (.pdf)
Optima Flu Alert (.pdf)
Contact the Virginia Department of Health with your questions about H1N1* or call 1-877-275-8343.
Virginia Beach Health Department H1N1 information*
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What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
- 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 hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- If you get sick, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
- Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety.
CDC recommends 3 Action Steps to protect against the flu (.pdf)
Visit the FDA US Food and Drug Administration site for information on preventing seasonal flu*
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¿Necesita Información Sobre la Gripe Porcina en Español? (Information About Swine Flu in Spanish)
Los Centros para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades ha publicado información sobre la gripe porcina en español en su sitio Web.
Acceder a la información del CDC sobre la gripe porcina en español*
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* This link will take you to an external Web site not owned or operated by Optima Health.