Cedar County Public Health

Iowa Department of Public Health H1N1 Flu

Call Center: 1-800-447-1985

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

http://www.idph.state.ia.us/h1n1/default.asp

FACTS ABOUT THE FLU OUTBREAK

Pork and pork products are safe.

According to the CDC, influenza H1N1 “is not transmitted by food. You cannot get this flu from eating pork or pork products.”

Dr. William Schaffner, a flu expert at Vanderbilt University has said, “There’s no evidence that any influenza virus, and in particular this one, has ever been transmitted by the foodborne route or by handling food products.”

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, has said that the virus should not be called “swine flu.” “I want to reiterate that U.S. pork is safe,” Secretary Vilsack said. “While we in the United States are continuing to monitor for new cases of H1N1 flu, the American food supply is safe.”

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, has said, “Pork and pork products are safe and there is no basis for restricting imports. You should also know that you cannot get H1N1 flu from eating pork. Pork products are perfectly safe.”

For more information, visit www.FactsAboutPork.com

This message funded by America’s Pork Checkoff program.

Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Fact Sheet General Public Iowa Department of Public Health

4/30/2009 3:00 PM

Novel Influenza General Public For more information on novel influenza, visit our website at: www.idph.state.ia.us

What is novel influenza?

The novel flu virus, that is currently circulating in the U.S. and other parts of the world, is a unique combination of swine and human flu viruses. This virus is transmitted from person to person, not from pigs to humans. None of the current cases had exposure to swine.

What are the symptoms of novel flu?

The symptoms of novel flu are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, rhinnorhea (runny nose), nasal congestion, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting along with respiratory symptoms. Like seasonal flu, novel flu may be more severe in those who have chronic medical conditions. How does novel flu spread?

The current novel influenza virus spreads the same way as seasonal flu. Flu viruses are spread by an ill person coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people can become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it (such as a door knob) and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can I protect myself and my loved ones against novel flu?

Avoid contact with ill persons.

When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or into your elbow (if you do not have a tissue). Throw used tissues in a trash can.

After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.

If you are ill, stay away from other people by staying home. Do not go to work, school, or travel while ill.

If you have visited areas where novel flu cases have been confirmed and develop flu like symptoms within seven days after your return, it is important to contact your health care provider and be tested. Remind them to contact local public health officials. Visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu for current list of areas with novel flu.

How long can an infected person spread novel flu to others? People with novel flu are potentially contagious as long as they have symptoms and possibly for up to 7 days after they become ill. Children, especially younger children, might be contagious for longer than 7 days.

Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Fact Sheet General Public Iowa Department of Public Health 4/30/2009 3:00 PM.  Novel Influenza General Public For more information on novel influenza, visit our website at: www.idph.state.ia.us

How long can viruses live outside the body on a surface like a doorknob? Some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing or using an alcohol based hand gel will help you reduce the chances of becoming ill after touching these surfaces.

For More Information Call:

Iowa Concern Hotline

Telephone Number:

800-447-1985

Hours:

24 hours a day/7 days a week

Is there a vaccine for novel flu? Currently there is no vaccine to protect humans from novel flu.

Are there medicines I can take if I get sick with novel flu? Yes. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. They are usually used only for those at high risk of becoming seriously ill. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of when your symptoms start). Can I get some antiviral drugs to keep at home, just in case I get sick? No. You should not ask your healthcare provider for antiviral medication to keep at home "just in case". If many people did this, it would mean less antivirals available for those who do get sick. Can I get novel influenza from eating or preparing pork? No. This novel influenza virus is not spread by food. You cannot get this novel influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

Welcome to the Cedar County

Public Health Website

Cedar County Public Health is a multifaceted agency that provides intermittent skilled nursing care, home care aide/homemaking services and public health services such as immunizations, disease surveillance, rehabilitation, health promotion, and public health education. Cedar County Public Health has been in existence since 1969. Cedar County Public Health works effectively with Environmental Services, the Iowa Department of Public Health, the CDC as well as other county health departments. We frequently partner with the Department of Human Services, Iowa Public Health Information, the United Way, and other agencies. Cedar County Public Health is a member of the Iowa Association of Local Public Health Agencies, the Iowa Public Health Association, the Iowa Homecare Association, the National Association of City and County Health Officials, and the National Association of Home Care.

Do you or your loved one need intermittent assistance in the home? Six full-time nurses staff Cedar County Public Health. They provide intermittent home nursing care, skilled nursing service and home care aide service. This is provided on a visiting basis in the individual’s home, under the direction of a physician. Some of the skilled nursing services that we offer include: Assessments, response to medications, and medication monitoring, Foley catheter care/insertion/teaching, blood draws, restorative nursing, wound care, administration of IM-Sub Q medications, preparation of insulin, medication set up, and IV therapy. The agency also has a contract with a licensed therapy agency that can provide physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy.

Many insurance companies can be billed or a fee may be charged according to the patient\family ability to pay. Medicare and Medicaid certify the nursing agency.

The agency works with physicians, dentists, hospitals, Department of Human Services, and other community/state agencies to meet the needs of residents of Cedar County.

Physicians, family, friends, and neighbors, hospital personnel, or oneself may make referrals for these services.

The Cedar County Home Care Aide service staffs one full-time home health supervisor and several part-time certified home care aides. Some care aides can assist with personal care such as tub\shower bath, shampoo, and partial\complete the bath, catheter care, assist with ambulation transfers, exercise assistance, and non-sterile dressing changes.

Cedar County public health also offers environmental assistance such as preparing light meals, housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, and transportation assistance in Cedar County.

Respite care is available for anyone caring for a senior spouse, relative, or friend. Tasks such as grocery shopping, doctor appointments, or simply a day at the mall may become impossible. Respite care is time out for caregivers in order for them to do these everyday things. Why should your family use respite care? Caregivers are often the silent victims, experiencing such symptoms as fatigue, depression, nervousness and sleeping or eating disorders. The caregivers experience a decline in their own health and a lower quality of life. With temporary relief, you may be able to care for the senior person at home much longer than would otherwise be possible. Respite care may include: assistance with transfers, bathroom needs, eating, meal preparation, and dressing and undressing.

Cedar County Public Health is proud to support many other programs. Cedar County has two Certified Breastfeeding Educators that will work with women in the comfort of their own home. Prenatal classes are offered three times a year (February, June, September) and well baby visits can be made after the delivery. Immunization clinics are offered monthly and by appointment. Free lead testing is available for children up to age 6. Free developmental screenings are available to any child up to age 6. This can be performed in preschools, daycares, in the home, or at the Cedar County Public Health office. Cedar County also assists with WIC clinics. Child Care Nurse Consultants are available as a resource to daycares and preschools.

The Cedar County Board of Health governs Cedar County Public Health Nursing Service with the assistance of the Advisory Committee to Cedar County Public Health

Both volunteer boards consist of representatives from throughout Cedar County, including a representative from the Cedar County Board of Supervisors and a Cedar County physician.

Please contact Cedar County Public Health 563-886-2226 with any questions or to speak with a nurse.

If you have hearing loss or speech disability, please click on the following link and it will call our office directly. You will be able to type to us and an operator will help relay our messages to eachother. This is only available during normal business hours which are 7:30 am-4:00 pm cst.

Cedar County