2009 H1N1 (swine) Influenza

Human cases of 2009 H1N1 (swine) Influenza continue to be identified in the United States and internationally. Lake County continues to experience ongoing spread of the novel virus.

We expect to continue to receive allocations of H1N1 vaccine in the coming weeks. Please know that we’re working hard to ensure the vaccine is made available to residents as soon as possible. Future clinic dates, times and locations will be posted as soon as they are scheduled. Thank you for your cooperation and patience. Please continue to refer to our flu hotline and web site for updates.

In addition to the Health Department clinics, vaccinations will be available from a large number of community healthcare providers, pharmacies and clinics. The Illinois Department of Public Health has provided a list of public sites that will offer H1N1 vaccine this season.

General Resources
Bilingual flyer with tips on staying healthy and LCHD flu hotline 
Bilingual flyer: Staying Healthy Is As Easy As 1...2...3...
CDC Frequently Asked Questions
CDC FAQs en espanol
Flu Essentials: What You Need To Know
General Questions and Answers on 2009 H1N1 Influenza A Vaccine Safety (CDC)
H1N1 Flu Resource Kit
What To Do If You Get Sick (CDC)

Information for Businesses
CDC Guidance for Businesses, Employers, and Workplaces
Preparing for Flu: A Communication Toolkit for Business

Information for Parents and Caregivers
Bilingual flyer: The Flu and Your Pregnancy
CDC guidance for taking care of a sick person in your home

Information for Schools, Colleges and Universities, Camps, and Child Care
CDC Resources for Child Care Programs, Schools, Colleges, and Universities
Preparing for the Flu: A Communication Toolkit for Schools (K-12)
Preparing for the Flu: A Communication Toolkit for Child Care and Early Childhood Programs
IDPH Information for Schools
       (note: please call our Communicable Disease program before the final decision to close a school or childcare facility is made)
Illinois State Board of Education H1N1 Resources
CDC Guidance  for Day and Overnight Camps

Important items to remember:

• Most people who become ill feel better within 3 to 4 days if they rest at home and keep hydrated.
• Most people do not need to see their doctor.
• Common symptoms include: high fever, cough and sore throat. A number of people have also experienced vomiting and/or diarrhea.
• CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8°C]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. This is important because even if you’re feeling better you may be contagious and can make others sick.
• Pregnant women and anyone with serious breathing or cardiac problems who become sick should contact their doctor and follow recommendations for antiviral treatment.
• It is believed that H1N1 has a very short incubation period, typically 24-48 hours, with a range of 1-4 days in most documented cases.
• People with H1N1 will be most contagious from 1 day before they develop symptoms and through the first few days of illness, although they may continue to shed the virus for up to 7 days after they get sick.  Children, especially younger children, might be contagious for longer periods.

What you can do (These healthy habits can help prevent any type of flu):

• Avoid close contact: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Stay home when you are sick: Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. Keep sick children at home. You will help prevent others from catching the illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Cough into the crook of your elbow. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash your hands.
• Wash your hands often: Washing your hands and the hands of your children often will help protect you from germs. Use alcohol sanitizer as well.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth: Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits: Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.