2009 H1N1 Influenza A (Swine Flu) Resources
11/20/2009: If you have flu-like symptoms and have a clinic appointment, please call your clinic before coming to your visit (please refer to our Locations and Maps listing for phone numbers).
We will provide additional updates as more information becomes available. Please call our flu hotline at (608) 265-7757 or toll-free at (888) 896-8773 for updates, or check back on this flu Web site (www.uwhealth.org/flu). Thank you.
We currently have H1N1 vaccine available for pregnant women and highest risk children.
We will provide additional updates as more information becomes available. Please call our flu hotline at (608) 265-7757 or toll-free at (888) 896-8773 for updates, or check back on this flu Web site (www.uwhealth.org/flu). Thank you.
H1N1 Flu
2009 H1N1 influenza (also called Swine Flu) is caused by a new strain of influenza virus. Like other flu viruses, H1N1 spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and sometimes through touching objects contaminated with the virus.
Symptoms of H1N1
Symptoms may include fever, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, coughing and sneezing. Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting. Although most people feel better within a week, a small number of people get pneumonia or other serious illnesses.
Who is at risk for H1N1?
The percentage of reported cases for 2009 H1N1 flu in the United States varies by age group (see the chart below). Data collected by the Centers for Disease Control indicate the greatest risk is to children and young adults (age 0-24).
Based on this information, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that certain groups be targeted to receive the first available vaccine. These groups include:
- Health care workers and EMS personnel who have direct contact with patients or infectious material
- Pregnant women
- Household contacts and other caregivers of infants age 6 months or younger
- Children age 6 months to 4 years, beginning with those who have underlying medical conditions that put them at risk for complications of influenza
- Children and adolescents 5-18 years with chronic medical conditions that put them at risk for complications of influenza
- Healthy 25-64 year olds
- Adults 65 and older
We understand your children's schools may be offering the H1N1 vaccine; our Family Medicine and Pediatric physicians support your child getting the vaccine.
H1N1 Vaccine Availability
Currently we are receiving small shipments of H1N1 vaccine in our clinics and expect to receive more in the coming weeks. We will initially focus our vaccination efforts on our direct patient care staff. As additional supply is received, we will offer the H1N1 vaccine to pregnant women and caregivers of children under 6 months of age and children. Children 6 months–9 years will need to receive two doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine.
For updates on availability of H1N1 flu vaccine, continue to visit uwhealth.org, or call the UW Health flu hotline at (608) 265-7757 or toll-free at (888-896-8773).
Nasal Mist
Nasal mist is recommended for healthy people ages 2-49 years who do not have underlying chronic disease or immune system disorders. Pregnant women should not receive the H1N1 nasal mist.
Because the nasal mist vaccine contains live attenuated (weakened) virus, you cannot receive both seasonal and H1N1 nasal mist vaccines at the same time. If you already received the seasonal nasal mist vaccine, you must either wait 28 days before receiving H1N1 nasal mist vaccine or receive injectable H1N1 vaccine.
Prevention
Until you can receive your flu shot, prevention is the best defense against influenza and other airborne diseases. Remember to Wash Up:
Wash your hands with soap and water frequently
Avoid people who are ill
Sneeze and cough into your sleeve or a tissue
Hands away from your face and mouth
Unwind and decrease stress
Prevent the flu by getting the flu shot when available
Avoid people who are ill
Sneeze and cough into your sleeve or a tissue
Hands away from your face and mouth
Unwind and decrease stress
Prevent the flu by getting the flu shot when available
Video
Watch UW Health infectious diseases expert Nasia Safdar, MD, on Wisconsin Public Television's Here & Now: Preparing for H1N1.
H1N1 Flu Resources
Use the resources below to learn more about the H1N1 flu.
CDC and Wisconsin H1N1 Influenza A (Swine Flu) Updates
For up-to-date state and federal information on H1N1 Influenza A:
Local Flu Information and School Immunization Clinics
Please visit the Madison and Dane County Public Health Web site for the latest local H1N1 flu information, including parent resources for children in Pre-K Child Care Programs and Madison and Dane County school vaccination clinic schedules for K-12 Schools.
Also, the Department of Health and Family Services Web site maintains a list of local health departments throughout Wisconsin and encourages people to contact local officials with questions and concerns.