H1N1 (Swine Flu) Updates
Tuesday, Februrary 19, 2010
The Tribal Health Department in conjunction with the Michigan Dept. of Community Health and the CDC continue to monitor both seasonal flu and H1N1. Vaccine supplies are sufficient and all health departments and the CDC are recommending both seasonal and H1N1 vaccination. We will keep you posted of any further developments.
Terry J. Samuels M.D. Medical Director, LTBB
Friday, October 16, 2009 11:00 AM
We have six confirmed cases of H1N1 in out tribal community. This is just a reminder to everyone to continue using universal precautions, and if you are ill remain home from school or work until you are no longer contagious.
Thursday, September 17, 2009 11:00 AM
The seasonal flu vaccine is in the process of being shipped to our tribal health center. The seasonal flu vaccine does not provide immunization against the H1N1 (Swine flu) however you should still obtain your seasonal flu vaccine from your primary health care provider. The vaccine against H1N1 (Swine Flu) should be available in early October. However the initial vaccine supply will likely be given first to high priority groups as follows:
Pregnant Women, because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated.
Household contacts and caregivers of children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at a higher risk of influenza related complications and cannot be vaccinated.
Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare personnel have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection to vulnerable patients. Also increased absenteeism among healthcare workers could affect health care delivery.
All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
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Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in children who are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings which increases likelihood of disease spread.
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Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because many cases of the 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in these young healthy adults and they often live and work in close proximity and often are a mobile population.
Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
No 2009 H1N1 vaccine shortage is expected but vaccine availability and demand can be unpredictable so there are further recommendations regarding which people among the above groups should receive the vaccine first should it become necessary. As always continue to exercise the universal precautions outlined in the previous updates to our site. Prevention is the best measure. Our emergency response team continues to monitor the situation and will keep you informed as the flu season unfolds. For additional information check the MDCH and CDC websites.
Tuesday, May 4, 2009 1:00 PM
If you are ill we ask that you would stay home from the community meeting that is scheduled for May 9th.
For further information on personal emergency planning please go to the Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families website.
Tuesday, May 1, 2009 3:10 PM
To all community members,
There have been no cases reported yet of the swine flu in northern MI. As you are aware there has been one case reported in Livingston County, northeast of the Detroit area and one case under investigation in Ottawa County. Remember to practice the following precautions at all times whether there is an outbreak or not.
If you are ill you should stay home from school or work and minimize contact with others.
See your health care provider if you are experiencing fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, diarrhea or vomiting. You may schedule to see your provider for any other health related concerns or symptoms.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the tissue in the trash immediately. Use your arm if a tissue is not available, not your hands. Wash hands immediately after coughing or use an alcohol based antibacterial hand sanitizer if water is not available.
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Avoid close contact with individuals who are ill or who appear ill.
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Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently throughout the day and before bed.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
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You cannot contract swine flu from eating pork.
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To date there is no vaccine available. All resources are directed toward developing a vaccine as soon as possible.
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Remember smoking greatly increases your risk of developing respiratory infections.
We ask that anyone with any of the above symptoms notify the receptionist when scheduling their appointments at the health park. As an extra precautionary measure we will ask patients with respiratory symptoms to wear a mask that will be provided by the receptionist. This is for only those individuals who have respiratory symptoms to reduce the spread of respiratory infections.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and your local health departments in cooperation with our tribal health department, safety personnel, law enforcement, human resources and governmental staff are monitoring the development of swine flu cases and are receiving regular updates regarding precautionary measures. We will keep you abreast of any new developments. If you desire further information regarding swine flu or other health concerns you may access the CDC website, Michigan Department of Community Health website or the Northwest Community Health Agency website.
Sincerely,
Terry J. Samuels M.D.
Medical Director
Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/
Michigan Department of Community Health
http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/
Northern Michigan Community Health Agency
http://www.nwhealth.org/