The new year is here which means the flu is too.

Williamson County school nurses want to remind everyone that if students or staff have a flu-like illness they should stay home for 24 hours after they no longer have a fever without using fever-reducing medicine.  Here are some helpful tips to avoid catching the flu:

• Staff and students are encouraged to wash hands with soap and water as frequently as possible.

• Always cover noses and mouths with tissue, shirt sleeves or elbows when coughing or sneezing.

• Keep surfaces like kitchen counters and toys clean for children by wiping then down with household disinfectant.

• Keep away as much as possible from people who are sick.

• Germs spread easily so avoid touching eyes, noses or mouths as much as possible.

Nurses can offer contact information to parents/guardians regarding flu shots for themselves or students at local healthcare providers including the Williamson County Health Department.  Additional information can also be found on the WCS Health Services WEBPAGE.

Cold and Flu season is almost here.  Below are some tips and information to help keep you and your child healthy.

• Stay home when sick: Students and staff with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. They should stay home even if they are using antiviral drugs.
• Separate ill students and staff: Students and staff who appear to have flu-like illness should be sent to a room separate from others until they can be sent home.
• Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette: Students and staff are encouraged to wash hands frequently with soap and water when possible, and cover noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or a shirt sleeve or elbow if no tissue is available).
• Routine cleaning: School staff should routinely clean areas that students and staff touch often with the cleaners they typically use. Special cleaning with bleach and other non-detergent-based cleaners is not necessary.
• Early treatment of high-risk students and staff: People at high risk for influenza complications who become ill with influenza-like illness should speak with their health care provider as soon as possible. Early treatment with antiviral medications is very important for people at high risk because it can prevent hospitalizations and deaths. People at high risk include those who are pregnant, have asthma or diabetes, have compromised immune systems, or have neuromuscular diseases.

For more health services information, visit the WCS Health Services WEBSITE.

Protocol for Communicable Disease

Williamson County Schools follows the Department of Health's communicable disease protocols when they are informed of communicable illness that might threaten the health of the public, especially in a school setting.  The Department of Health is informed of all cases of communicable disease by the report of a licensed healthcare provider and then implements their own procedure in determining the origin and possibility of a known infectious illness leading to a wide-spread communicable disease outbreak.  There are very specific protocols that must be followed when a communicable disease outbreak occurs.  Our school district is not allowed to give out any health information, however, that would ever involve personally identifiable information as to a specific student or staff member in our school district, unless we were specifically required to do so by the Department of Health.

Head Lice

Head lice can happen to anyone.  It is not a sign of having poor health habits or being dirty.  The most important fact to remember is that the problem should be quickly treated because delays will only help spread the head lice throughout your family and community.

Signs of head lice include head scratching and intense itching of the scalp and neck. Their presence can be confirmed by a close inspection of the hair and scalp under a good light, especially in the nape of the neck and behind the ears.  Look for tiny, grayish, crawling forms and/or white specks in the hair, whitish eggs that can be mistaken for dandruff.  Dandruff is removed easily from the hair or scalp; however, nits (eggs) are glued to the hair shaft and are very difficult to remove.

If your child has head lice, there are several non-prescription and prescription treatments available to eliminate lice and their eggs.  They can be purchased at your local pharmacy or call your physician for his/her recommendation.   Read and follow the instructions carefully.  A second treatment is often recommended 10 days later.  A fine-toothed comb is often needed to remove dead nits.  Please spend time with your child combing all of the nits (eggs) out of his/her hair. Put on clean clothing after treatment. Inspect all other family members for head lice and recheck periodically over the next two weeks.

If you find head lice, you must clean all articles that might have lice or nits.  Backpacks, clothes, towels and bed linens should be washed in hot water and detergent or dry-cleaned.  Stuffed animals or items that cannot be washed or dry-cleaned should be sealed in a plastic bag for at least ten days to two weeks.  Disinfect combs, brushes and similar items by washing with the special shampoo.  Wash all book bags and back packs or discard them.  Continue to wash your child’s bed linens regularly and vacuum all upholstered furniture and carpet.  Throw vacuum bags away after each use.

Below are some preventative measures you can share with your children. Other than the above washing, drying and treatment, encourage your children to help in the following ways:

• Do not share brushes, combs, hair accessories, hats, scarves, etc.

• Keep clothing items not used in their back packs when not using.

• Do not share helmets, head sets, other items that may be touching the head.  Utilize lice spray disinfectant on all of these types of equipment if sharing and wipe clean.

• Check your children when they come home from school and also after they participate in after school activities, or sleepovers.

• During increased cases of head lice, you can avoid sleepovers and hair salon parties to cut down on the risk of spreading head lice.

• There are preventative products such as Tea Tree shampoo, gels, etc. that you can put on your child’s hair to help repel lice.

• Have your child wear their hair up if long and out of their face.

• Minimize close head to head contact.

For additional information and help, please visit www.cdc.gov/lice/head or visit the district website at http://www.wcs.edu/studentsupportsvc/lice.htm.

(ARA) - Schools with only a third of the students sitting in chairs, offices sending out notices to employees asking anyone with a fever or cough to please stay home, and hand sanitizer stations popping up everywhere; the signs are very visible this year that flu season has arrived.

Seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses are making big headlines. And while everyone has the potential to catch either variety, senior citizens tend to suffer more from the complications of flu.

"It's a good idea for everyone - including caretakers of senior citizens - to get the flu shot. And there are many other ways to help prevent the spread of viruses from one person to another," says Richard Bitner with Visiting Angels, a senior home-care service. "If you provide care, or even just frequently visit with a senior, pay attention to their living environment to make sure it is safe and protects your loved one from viruses. And make sure you take care of yourself as well, so you don't pass on the germs."

Seniors are more vulnerable because they spend time with grandchildren, get out and explore new activities and visit with friends and family. The CDC recommends everyone over the age of 50 get a yearly flu vaccine because the flu can be more serious and even deadly for seniors. About 36,000 people die from flu complications annually, and of those deaths, 90 percent are age 65 or older.

In addition to getting both the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following steps to help protect your health:

* If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone - unless you need to get medical care.

* Even if you aren't sick, keep your home stocked with a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubbing solution and tissues, so that if you do start experiencing symptoms, you don't need to go out and to purchase supplies.

* Wash your hands every day with soap and water - or if this isn't available, hand sanitizer.

* Avoid close contact with sick people.

When you are visiting a senior citizen in senior home care, make sure they have supplies on hand and are practicing good personal hygiene. Do they have a squirt bottle of soap next to every sink in their house? Do the counters and bathroom sinks get cleaned frequently? Are tissues available next to chairs in every room?

Remember, seniors may not pay attention to basic preventative measures when it comes to viruses. But by practicing good health habits yourself, you can help keep them from getting sick from the flu. For more information about flu prevention and seniors, visit visitingangels.com/library.asp.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Now more than ever, Americans are taking personal responsibility for their health by practicing preventative health care, and one of the most proactive ways to stay healthy is by maintaining a healthy immune system. But did you know that your immune system functions optimally when it is balanced? That's right, balanced. Research shows that balancing - not just boosting or suppressing - is key to a strong immune system.

When out of balance, the immune system may not adequately protect the body. An over-active immune system may result in allergies by mistaking harmless environmental substances, such as pollen, for something like an attacking parasite, whereas an under-active immune system may expose the body to increased susceptibility to infections and disease. Thus, the immune system needs to be prepared to appropriately address different kinds of threats, whether that is with a reduced or increased immune response. This can only be done with a healthy immune system that is in balance and ready to respond appropriately.

"Having an over- or under-active immune system can be an invitation for illness," says Dr. Larry Robinson, immune health researcher and vice president of scientific affairs for Embria Health Sciences. "The ideal place for a healthy immune system is to be in a balanced, ready stage, where it can react to your body's signals."

The importance of immune health to your overall well-being cannot be overstated. Here are some ways you can keep your immune system balanced so it can most effectively face the challenges of daily life:

1) Put a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your door: Since the immune system is sensitive to stress levels, it's important to take a few minutes to decompress each day. "People today are busy with work, school and families. Add to that the stress of the economy and our systems may become completely strung out," says Dr. Robinson. "Even if it's just 15 minutes, alone time can do wonders for your health."

2) Supplement your lifestyle: Dietary supplements are a smart and convenient way to fill in the gaps when you may not be consistently living an immune-friendly lifestyle. Vitamins C and D, as well as zinc and selenium all provide benefits for the immune system, as does EpiCor, an all-natural dietary ingredient, manufactured by Embria Health Sciences, that has been clinically shown to help balance the immune system for optimal health. Dr. Robinson says EpiCor's composition includes vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. When taken daily, EpiCor works to help balance the body's immune system to strengthen it and help maintain wellness. It is unlike many other nutritional dietary immune supplements that only concentrate on "boosting" the immune system. Visit www.epicorimmune.com for more information.

3) Balance your meals: Healthy meals do a body good. "What you put in your body is really what you get out of it," says Dr. Robinson. "Increasing your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is a smart idea, especially during the cold weather season. Eating balanced meals and healthy snacks without a lot of processed fats and sugars will help keep your immune system running strong."

4) Drink up: Staying hydrated is essential to keeping your health in check. Pick out a refillable water bottle with a fun design that you'll want to take with you everywhere. If the bottle's color or image resonates with your personal style, you'll be more inclined to remember to take it with you and use it regularly.

"Ideally, you can maintain immune health through a regular routine that includes healthy eating, regular exercise, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep and practicing stress-relieving activities. But since it's impossible to do the right thing 100 percent of the time, it may make sense to give your immune system extra support by taking a nutritional supplement containing EpiCor," says Dr. Robinson.

To learn more about immune health, visit www.BalancedImmuneHealth.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - With the emergence of the 2009 H1N1 virus and the presence of annual seasonal flu, health experts are concerned that this flu season could be more confusing than ever for families. Recent studies point to misunderstandings about what families should do to help prevent the spread of these viruses.    

While the 2009 H1N1 virus continues to dominate headlines, many U.S. adults still have questions about seasonal flu, including prevention steps and the effectiveness of the vaccine, according to a recent survey from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). Additionally, a separate survey from The Clorox Company found that nearly half of adults believe that the 2009 H1N1 virus is the same as seasonal flu.

"It's no secret that this year's flu season is complicated. With multiple vaccines, we want to help families easily understand the right steps to help prevent the spread of the flu," said Heather McKenzie, RN, Visiting Nurse Associations of America's Senior Director of Clinical Education and Quality Initiatives. 

Seasonal flu  is a serious infection - it is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths for children, killing on average 100 American children less than five years old every year and hospitalizing over 20,000. Vaccination is the first step in flu prevention. In fact, last year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded their flu vaccination recommendations to include all children from 6 months through 18 years old.

Take Prevention Steps at Home
Some flu vaccine manufacturers are reporting a delay in their shipments of seasonal flu vaccine, meaning it might take a little longer than usual for the vaccination to be available in some areas. This makes it even more important to practice these other simple steps to help prevent the spread of the seasonal and H1N1  flu viruses in the home:

* Wash Hands Frequently: Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice).

* Disinfect Germ Hot Spots: Disinfect the surfaces kids touch most frequently - like doorknobs, faucets or plastic toys.

* Do the Elbow Cough: Cough and sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands to help prevent the spread of germs from touch.

* Follow Good Health Guidelines: Eat right, exercise and get plenty of sleep to help boost your body's ability to fight the effects of colds and the flu.

Help Your Family Say "Boo!" to the Flu this Halloween
To increase the number of families vaccinated against seasonal flu and educate parents on other flu prevention steps, the Visiting Nurse Associations of America, Families Fighting Flu and The Clorox Company teamed up again for Say "Boo!" to the Flu. The family-friendly program is larger than ever this year and even offers an updated, comprehensive online flu resource.

Online at www.SayBooToTheFlu.com, parents can take a pledge to vaccinate their families and help spread prevention in their communities.  They can also find out where they can get vaccinated in their areas and get up-to-the minute information to help navigate this flu season, including news updates from the CDC.

"My wife and I didn't realize how important one flu vaccination could be until we lost our daughter, Amanda, to the seasonal flu," said Richard Kanowitz, President of Families Fighting Flu. "We are committed to educating parents about the importance of getting their families vaccinated against both the seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 virus. I urge all parents to visit www.SayBooToTheFlu.com, pledge to help their families stay healthier this flu season and find out if there is a flu vaccination event in their area."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Pregnant women have a lot on their to-do list, but rarely does it seem that flu protection is part of their prenatal health plan. This year, the flu presents an added threat to pregnant women and their newborns because of the new H1N1 (swine) flu virus. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and women's health experts have identified pregnant women as a priority group for seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccination.

Yet a new survey, conducted on behalf of HealthyWomen by Harris Interactive in September, shows that while the majority of pregnant women and new moms are concerned about getting the H1N1 flu, only about one in four plan to get the H1N1 flu shot and less than half will get the seasonal flu shot this year.

The survey of 668 pregnant women and new mothers, 154 of whom are Hispanic, showed that only half of women (50 percent) know that getting a flu shot while pregnant will protect themselves and their newborn babies after birth.

"These survey results show the urgent need to educate pregnant women on the facts, benefits and safety of getting both the seasonal and H1N1 flu shots," says registered nurse Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, executive director of HealthyWomen. "Both the seasonal and H1N1 flu shots are safe for women to get during any stage of pregnancy and the shots are available in thimerosal-free forms, for those who are concerned about mercury preservatives. Pregnant women need to know that the best protection against the flu, for themselves and for their infants after birth, is to get a flu shot during pregnancy."

To answer women's questions about flu shots during pregnancy, HealthyWomen and the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) are conducting the "Flu-Free and a Mom-to-Be: Protect Yourself, Protect Your Baby, Get Your Flu Shots!" campaign. The campaign, supported by CSL Biotherapies, educates women about the risk of flu infection and complications during pregnancy. It also provides information on the facts, benefits and safety of flu shots. Support of the "Flu-Free and a Mom-to-Be" campaign reflects CSL Biotherapies' ongoing commitment to raising awareness of influenza vaccination among priority populations. For more information about CSL Biotherapies, visit cslbiotherapies-us.com.

Pregnant women are at higher risk of hospitalization for complications from the flu due to physiologic changes associated with pregnancy, such as an increase in heart rate, reduction in lung capacity and changes in immune responses. Newborns too are extremely vulnerable to flu infection but are unable to get vaccinated until after they are 6 months old. The good news is that a pregnant woman can protect herself and later protect her newborn, against flu by getting her flu shots during pregnancy. In fact, according to a 2008 New England Journal of Medicine study, women who were vaccinated against the flu while pregnant or breast-feeding reduced the likelihood of flu infection in their newborns by 63 percent through passed immunity.

Talk to your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated against both the seasonal and H1N1 flu shots if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or a new mom this flu season. If you are concerned about thimerosal, the mercury-based preservative in some vaccines, there are thimerosal-free options available for both the seasonal and H1N1 flu shots. For more information, visit www.healthywomen.org/flufree. Information on the Web site includes:

* Answers to common questions and myths regarding flu shots during pregnancy

* The health benefits of getting flu shots during pregnancy for mom and baby

* The differences between seasonal and the new H1N1 flu viruses and why there are two vaccines this flu season

* The availability of thimerosal-free flu vaccines, for those concerned about vaccine preservatives

* Why pregnant women should receive the injectable versus the nasal spray flu vaccine

Keep yourself and your family flu-free this season by visiting getting both the seasonal and H1N1 flu shots.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Seasonal flu will face new opponents this year.  Soccer legends and moms Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain are teaming up with Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) to make seasonal flu vaccination a higher priority.  The effort is part of a national education campaign called "Don't Play with the Flu," which aims to increase seasonal flu vaccination rates for eligible kids and families across the country. 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the single best way families can help prevent the seasonal flu is by getting a vaccination - every year - for those individuals who are eligible to receive it.  Plus, the CDC now recommends a seasonal flu vaccine each year for all children 6 months through 18 years of age.  Parents can also help protect themselves by getting vaccinated. 

"My family and I don't have time to play with the flu," explained soccer icon Brandi Chastain, when asked why she joined the campaign.  Chastain balances her family life as a wife and mom with her role as a player for the WPS FC Gold Pride from the San Francisco Bay Area.  "We juggle a lot.  Family activities, practice, travel.  We do our best to stay healthy by exercising, eating right, and getting plenty of rest.  We also help defend and protect ourselves each year by getting a flu vaccine."

As many as 60 million Americans get the seasonal flu each year and resulting complications cause more than 200,000 hospitalizations. Children commonly need medical care to treat seasonal flu, especially before they reach five years of age. Each year, an average of 20,000 children under the age of five will be hospitalized as a result of flu complications.  Kids between the ages of 2 and 17 are twice as likely to get the flu as adults and are a main source for spreading the flu among their peers, family members, elderly and high-risk individuals.  According to one analysis, students missed approximately 38 million school days due to seasonal flu in one year. 

"Along with all the things that parents know are important for helping keep their kids healthy - like washing hands and getting enough sleep - flu vaccination should be at the top of the list," said Anne Moscona, M.D., professor of pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medical Center and mother of two. "As parents, it's important we ask about yearly flu vaccines to help protect our kids - and ourselves - from flu."

The CDC recommends flu vaccination begin as soon as vaccines are available, which can be as early as August or September,  and continue throughout the flu season, which can extend through the winter and beyond.  There are two types of seasonal flu vaccine: the shot and the nasal spray.  Talk to your healthcare provider about vaccine options, eligibility, and how to help protect your family from seasonal flu.

"My family and I get a seasonal flu vaccine every year," said Hamm, international soccer legend and proud mother of twins. "That way we can concentrate on all the other things we do to stay healthy on and off the field."

To hear more from Hamm and Chastain, visit www.DontPlaywiththeFlu.com or www.facebook.com/DontPlaywiththeFlu. of ARAcontent

Courtesy

(ARA) - You scheduled flu shots for the entire family and stocked the cabinets with plenty of vitamin C and chicken soup. But what have you done to ensure the health of your actual home this winter?

You may not realize it, but allergens and toxins camp out in your house during the colder months, just waiting for a chance to give you and your family a case of the sniffles or the flu. Hannah Keeley, host of public television's "Hannah, Help Me!" offers a few simple tips to guarantee a healthier home.

Schedule a home check-up

You can't take your house to the doctor, but you can still give it a check-up. Schedule a home assessment with your local American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning dealer before winter strikes to make sure your furnace's components are clean and working properly.

As an added precaution from unpleasant germs, ask about the American Standard AccuClean(TM) whole home air filtration system, which is proven to remove more than 99 percent of the common flu or influenza A along with influenza B, C, and avian and H1N1 flu from your home's filtered air.

Clean up your home's act

Thorough hand washing is key to preventing the flu, but it is equally important to maintain good home hygiene in order to combat the spread of germs. To prevent the spread of the flu virus, it is important to sanitize everything you and your family touch - from your counters and tables to appliances to your children's toys.

Wash your family's clothing, bedding and other linens in hot water (at least 130 degrees) to keep dust mites and other germs away. While you're at it, be sure to transport dirty laundry in a basket or bag to help keep germs away from your body.

Practice good home health habits

Make it a house rule to remove your shoes as soon as you walk into the house, and prevented unwanted outside dirt particles from being tracked into difficult-to-remove carpets and other surfaces. Give family members and guests a comfy alternative by keeping cozy slippers near the front door.

Pick up some allergy-proof covers for your mattresses and pillows. These easy-to-find and use covers are a quick and immediate solution to keep germs and contaminants to a minimum.

Make sure your home is well insulated to minimize heat loss. Inspect all windows and doors for tight seals and seal air leaks to reduce drafts. Sealing air leaks and adding insulation will improve the comfort level and health of your home.

Taking a few easy, preventive measures now will ensure a warm, comfortable, and - most important - healthier home during the winter months. So when that old north wind begins to blow and Jack Frost is paying you a visit, you can rest easy knowing your home and family are happy and healthy.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Caption 1: Call your local HVAC professional to perform a routine maintenance check.

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(ARA) - It makes headlines every day - H1N1 and swine flu. If you have questions, you're not alone. It's difficult to decipher rumors from facts.

While the words "swine flu" and "pandemic flu" are enough to scare adults and children, experts from Everest College's nursing programs explain what H1N1 is, and offer some advice for how to protect yourself and your children from it.

What is H1N1?
H1N1 virus, more commonly known as "swine flu," is a new strand of influenza that has been labeled a pandemic flu by the World Health Organization because of its international reach.  It is expected to be the major strand of flu infecting people this flu season. Symptoms of H1N1 include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

"It is important to realize that the swine flu is just one strand of influenza. In that way, it is like the other strains of flu that hit the U.S. every fall and winter," says Darlene Mention, RN, MSN and nursing instructor at Everest University in Brandon, Fla.  She explains that, like other forms of the flu, H1N1 is contagious and spreads from human-to-human contact - specifically, through coughing, sneezing or surface contact. She adds, however, that the word "pandemic" simply means that the H1N1 has international reach, and not that it is particularly more dangerous than other forms of the flu.

Who is at risk for H1N1?
"Like other strains of influenza, H1N1 can cause complications, hospitalization and even death, so it is important to take precautionary measures," says Mention. Each year approximately 36,000 people in the U.S. die from flu-related complications, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized, 20,000 of whom are children less than 5 years old.

Complications from the flu usually arise in high-risk groups, which include children under 5, adults over 65, and adults with chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. According to the Center for Disease Control, approximately 70 percent of those hospitalized with H1N1 this year have or previously had prior medical conditions that place them at "high risk," including pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma or kidney disease.

With most strains of the flu, the elderly are particularly at risk. Over 90 percent of deaths and 60 percent of hospitalizations due to the flu occur in those over age 64. But interestingly, many adults over the age of 64 are not considered to be at high risk for complications resulting from H1N1, because approximately one third of adults over 64 are estimated to have existing antibodies to H1N1.

What can you to do protect yourself from H1N1?
"Everyone needs to take basic precautionary measures to prevent contracting H1N1," says Cheryl Heintz, RN, BSN and nursing instructor at Everest College in Merrillville, Ind. This means you should wash your hands with soap and water often, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose and try to limit contact with sick people. If you cannot wash your hands with soap and water, Heintz suggests that you use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a substitute. Studies have shown that many influenza viruses can infect people up to eight hours after they have been deposited on a surface, which means that washing your hands frequently and using disinfectants to clean surfaces is an important way to prevent the spread of the disease.

If you are sick with a flu-like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever subsides. "Staying home a full day after your symptoms have cleared not only helps you get back to full health, but also helps prevent the spread of the virus to others," adds Heintz.

Flu shots against H1N1 are now available in all states, though many states have only a limited supply. Certain groups of individuals are prioritized for the flu vaccine, including pregnant women, people in contact with infants under 6 months old, children and young adults ages 6 to 24, health care workers and emergency medical technicians, and adults younger than 65 with chronic conditions.

"If an H1N1 flu shot is available in your state, you may want to consider getting yourself and your children vaccinated," says Heintz. The CDC recommends two doses, four weeks apart, for children under 9 years old. For older children and adults, only one dose is needed. While both the flu shot and nasal spray are equally effective, the nasal spray contains a weakened live form of the virus and is only licensed for use for those between the ages of 2 and 49. The CDC advises that adults 50 and over get the flu shot instead, which uses an inactivated form of the virus.
 
"While the threat of H1N1 shouldn't be blown out of proportion, it is important to realize the flu affects everyone differently. While most cases are mild, H1N1 can and has caused severe complications, hospitalization and even death. Given this knowledge, we want to do all we can to protect ourselves and our families as flu season approaches," says Heintz. 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - It makes headlines every day - H1N1 and swine flu. If you have questions, you're not alone. It's difficult to decipher rumors from facts.

While the words "swine flu" and "pandemic flu" are enough to scare adults and children, experts from Everest College's nursing programs explain what H1N1 is, and offer some advice for how to protect yourself and your children from it.

What is H1N1?
H1N1 virus, more commonly known as "swine flu," is a new strand of influenza that has been labeled a pandemic flu by the World Health Organization because of its international reach.  It is expected to be the major strand of flu infecting people this flu season. Symptoms of H1N1 include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

"It is important to realize that the swine flu is just one strand of influenza. In that way, it is like the other strains of flu that hit the U.S. every fall and winter," says Darlene Mention, RN, MSN and nursing instructor at Everest University in Brandon, Fla.  She explains that, like other forms of the flu, H1N1 is contagious and spreads from human-to-human contact - specifically, through coughing, sneezing or surface contact. She adds, however, that the word "pandemic" simply means that the H1N1 has international reach, and not that it is particularly more dangerous than other forms of the flu.

Who is at risk for H1N1?
"Like other strains of influenza, H1N1 can cause complications, hospitalization and even death, so it is important to take precautionary measures," says Mention. Each year approximately 36,000 people in the U.S. die from flu-related complications, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized, 20,000 of whom are children less than 5 years old.

Complications from the flu usually arise in high-risk groups, which include children under 5, adults over 65, and adults with chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. According to the Center for Disease Control, approximately 70 percent of those hospitalized with H1N1 this year have or previously had prior medical conditions that place them at "high risk," including pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma or kidney disease.

With most strains of the flu, the elderly are particularly at risk. Over 90 percent of deaths and 60 percent of hospitalizations due to the flu occur in those over age 64. But interestingly, many adults over the age of 64 are not considered to be at high risk for complications resulting from H1N1, because approximately one third of adults over 64 are estimated to have existing antibodies to H1N1.

What can you to do protect yourself from H1N1?
"Everyone needs to take basic precautionary measures to prevent contracting H1N1," says Cheryl Heintz, RN, BSN and nursing instructor at Everest College in Merrillville, Ind. This means you should wash your hands with soap and water often, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose and try to limit contact with sick people. If you cannot wash your hands with soap and water, Heintz suggests that you use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a substitute. Studies have shown that many influenza viruses can infect people up to eight hours after they have been deposited on a surface, which means that washing your hands frequently and using disinfectants to clean surfaces is an important way to prevent the spread of the disease.

If you are sick with a flu-like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever subsides. "Staying home a full day after your symptoms have cleared not only helps you get back to full health, but also helps prevent the spread of the virus to others," adds Heintz.

Flu shots against H1N1 are now available in all states, though many states have only a limited supply. Certain groups of individuals are prioritized for the flu vaccine, including pregnant women, people in contact with infants under 6 months old, children and young adults ages 6 to 24, health care workers and emergency medical technicians, and adults younger than 65 with chronic conditions.

"If an H1N1 flu shot is available in your state, you may want to consider getting yourself and your children vaccinated," says Heintz. The CDC recommends two doses, four weeks apart, for children under 9 years old. For older children and adults, only one dose is needed. While both the flu shot and nasal spray are equally effective, the nasal spray contains a weakened live form of the virus and is only licensed for use for those between the ages of 2 and 49. The CDC advises that adults 50 and over get the flu shot instead, which uses an inactivated form of the virus.

"While the threat of H1N1 shouldn't be blown out of proportion, it is important to realize the flu affects everyone differently. While most cases are mild, H1N1 can and has caused severe complications, hospitalization and even death. Given this knowledge, we want to do all we can to protect ourselves and our families as flu season approaches," says Heintz.  

Courtesy of ARAcontent