Vermont Alliance of Information and Referral Services
H1N1 and Flu Resources
www.flu.gov is the most user friendly and inclusive site for information on both flu types.
This revised site contains a new H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation guide for adults 18 and older along with a Flu Myths and Facts section, which provides the public with the latest and most accurate information about the flu.
The Self-Evaluation guide gives individuals 18 and older more information about what they can do to take care of themselves, prevent the spread of the flu to other members of their families, and identify the warning signs of more serious flu symptoms -- symptoms that require the attention of a medical professional.
As with any information, this is for general awareness purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a medical professional.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention also has a page with the latest updates on the H1N1 Flu.
H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccines will be coordinated in clinics through the Vermont Department of Health. They have a page on their website with a flu clinic finder for both seasonal and H1N1 flu. However, the H1N1 clinics are currently being setup.
Protect Yourself, Your Family, and Community
- GET YOUR FLU SHOTS
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 15-20 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry.
- People infected with seasonal and H1N1 flu may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after.
- Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. So avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air.
- Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
- Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
Pneumonia vaccines are available through your family doctor.