H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) Information

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Members of the Campus Community:

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the Department of Health and Human Services is still urging people to get vaccinated against H1N1 influenza.

“Now that plenty of vaccine is available we strongly recommend everyone gets vaccinated,’’ said Dr. Dora Anne Mills, Director of the Maine CDC. “There are about 100 public places that vaccine can be obtained, including several dozen clinics that are offering the vaccine for free. You can find vaccine by calling 211, checking the flu clinic locator website at www.maineflu.gov, or by calling your health care provider.”

We continue to see H1N1 circulate in Maine, though at declining levels from a month ago. This last week there were two new hospitalizations, one of whom required intensive care. Since the beginning of January, 10 Mainers have been hospitalized for H1N1, including four children. We are finding an increasing number of hospitalized patients who have neither been vaccinated nor received early treatment with antiviral medicines. Vaccination against influenza and early detection of infection with prompt treatment are still important, especially for people at risk of complications. These cases are also a reminder that we expect to see the pandemic form of H1N1 influenza virus to continue to circulate for months to come. H1N1 vaccine is now widely available, and we encourage everyone to be vaccinated.

Pandemic influenza strains such as the H1N1 strain are more contagious than normal influenza viruses, so vaccination is a critical strategy to stopping its circulation and chances of the virus worsening. “Even if you are not in one of the high risk groups, it is likely someone you live with or work with is. It is important to get vaccinated to protect your own health as well as those whom you are close with,” said Dr. Mills.

What should you do if you think you have the flu?

Treatment for seasonal flu and H1N1 flu are the same, and most people do not need to see a doctor. If you think you have the flu, cannot reach your doctor, and/or your health plan does not have a nurse call line available, you may call 2-1-1 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to be connected with a health professional who can assess your symptoms.

If you have any questions, please contact the UMM Health Center at 255-1275 or e-mail smace@maine.edu.


University of Maine at Machias
Health Center

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