Douglas County Office of Emergency Management prepares for Swine Flu
The Douglas County Office of Emergency Management works closely with Tricounty Health Department (TCHD) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) in preparing for any public health emergency such as the swine flu. We have developed and tested plans over the last four years to ensure that we can respond appropriately to public health emergencies.
CDC notes that the virus is being passed from person-to-person but there is not enough information to fully assess the disease patterns. Epidemiologists are gathering information in Mexico to determine why the disease has been so severe in that country, while in the U.S., most of the cases have been similar to seasonal influenza.
H1N1 Tri-County Health Advisory Update November 20, 2009
Updated Health Advisory from Tri-County Health 08/10/09
H1N1 CDPHE prevention information
Tri-County Health's updated (August, 2009) recommendations for schools
Tri-County Health's recommendations for travel
Fight the Flu flyer#1 (can be downloaded and printed for distibution)
Fight the Flu flyer#2 (can be downloaded and printed for distribution)
How can citizens prepare?
Every citizen can help share this important information with friends and family:
- It is important to remember that at this time, in the U.S. the Swine Flu is acting just like seasonal flu with realtively mild symptoms.
- The status is changing so rapidly that it may seem as if there is conflicting information. Flu viruses are extremely unpredictable and variable; that means that recommendations may need to change as frequently as daily.
- This is a good time for all of us to review and update our own preparedness;
- Be Ready: make sure you and your family are prepared for an emergency that might require you to stay at home for several days, or even up to two weeks. Have an emergency plan for your family. For more information please visit www.Readycolorado.com
- Be Healthy: Dr. Ned Calonge, Chief Medical Officer for the Colroado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) asks that all individuals with mild flu-like illness stay home, regardless of travel history. Children and adolescents with fever should not go to day care or school. Adults with fever should not go to work. Anyone with severe ilness, such as difficulty breathing, should contact their health care providers.
- Take these personal precautions to decrease your chances of getting the flu:
- Wash you hands frequently
- Cover your sneezes and coughs
- Avoid others with respiratory illnesses
- Be informed: Stay up-to-date by consulting the CDC www.cdc.gov and CDPHE websites http://www.cdphe.state.co.us
What are State and Federal Health Officials doing to prepare?
- Colorado and Federal health officials are taking aggressive action to minimize the impact of the epidemic. In addition to requesting antiviral medication from CDC, the department is:
- Monitoring flu-like illness rates.
- Providing guidance to local health departments, physicians, hospitals, emergency medical services, businesses and schools.
- Gathering information from pharmacies about the availability of medications.
- Activating the department operations center to provide local agencies with one point of contact.
- Providing information to the public through the media, the website and by expanding the hours of the Colorado HELP (COHELP) from 7am to 11 pm, seven days a week (1-877-462-2911) which is an information line for citizens who have questions about swine flu.
- Advising Coloradans to consider postponing travel to Mexico.
Tri-County Health Department highly encourages everyone to get the H1N1 Flu vaccine once it becomes available. The vaccine will be provided at the normal locations that offer flu vaccinations such as: doctor's offices, clinics, pharmacies, supermarkets, etc. The vaccine will also be provided at no charge at Flu clinics which will be located in schools. Please see the attachment below for the list of locations.
Please be aware that the school based Flu Clinics must first provide the vaccine to the following priority groups:
1. pregnant women,
2. people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age,
3. health care and emergency services personnel,
4. individuals 6 months to 24 years of age, and
5. people ages 25 to 64 years who are at increased risk from novel H1N1 because of chronic health
conditions or compromised immune systems
TCHD will determine when the Flu Clinics can provide the vaccination to everyone, based upon public demand and supply. They are currently estimating that non-priority vaccinations will begin in December.
Current Flu Vacccination Clinics
Swine Flu is passed from person to person and not from pigs or from eating pork. The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the syptoms of seasonal flu in humans and may include, fever greater than 100 degrees F, sore throat, cough and stuffy nose; and chills, headache, body aches and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.