Novel Influenza A(H1N1)- Update
January 14 @ 7:00 PM

The department has now made H1N1 vaccine available to all residents within the five counties, and plans to continue to hold regular clinics where the vaccine will be available. The department has successfully administered more than 30,500 H1N1 vaccinations since October.

The prevalence of the H1N1 virus seems to be declining across the five counties as well as the state. However, the department is continuing to investigate hospitalized cases of H1N1 flu as recommended by Utah Department of Health guidelines.

While H1N1 cases are declining, it is still possible to contract the virus. The department continues to enchorage personal efforts to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus as well as all communicable disease. If you are exhibiting several of the symptoms contact your healthcare provider via phone for further instructions.

More flu information...

Información general sobre la influenza porcina

Case Status:

For the most accurate national trends go to the CDC situational update.

Flu Season runs September 1 - August 31

2009-2010 Flu Season

2008-2009 Flu Season

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Influenza Pandemic Alert Level:
September 9, 2009- Phase 6 (Category 2)

On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 (Category 2) in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway. WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus. The Category 2 specification is what is used to help clarify the severity of the disease (learn more). However, it is still uncertain at this time how serious or severe this novel H1N1 pandemic will be in terms of how many people infected will develop serious complications or die from novel H1N1 infection.

At this time, WHO considers the overall severity of the influenza pandemic to be moderate. This assessment is based on scientific evidence available to WHO, as well as input from its Member States on the pandemic's impact on their health systems, and their social and economic functioning.

The moderate assessment reflects that:

• Most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalization or medical care.
• Overall, national levels of severe illness from influenza A(H1N1) appear similar to levels seen during local seasonal influenza periods, although high levels of disease have occurred in some local areas and institutions.
• Overall, hospitals and health care systems in most countries have been able to cope with the numbers of people seeking care, although some facilities and systems have been stressed in some localities.

WHO is concerned about current patterns of serious cases and deaths that are occurring primarily among young persons, including the previously healthy and those with pre-existing medical conditions or pregnancy.

Large outbreaks of disease have not yet been reported in many countries, and the full clinical spectrum of disease is not yet known.

Learn more about pandemic alert levels...

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Symptoms:
To clarify, the primary symptoms of this virus include:

• a fever of 101 degrees or higher
• body and joint aches
• severe fatigue
• Other symptoms may include cough, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Ill people who experience any of the following symptoms should seek medical attention:

More information on when to seek medical attention...

CHILDREN:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

ADULTS:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

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H1N1 vaccine is now available to EVERYONE (over 6 month of age) at the locations listed on the table below. Children aged 9 and under who had their first vaccination over 28 days ago should also come in for their booster.

In an effort to get people in and out of the clinics as quickly as possible we are encouraging the public to wear short-sleeved shirts.

Save Time - Download before you go!

• H1N1 Intake Form
• H1N1 Vaccination Information Form

In an effort to get people in and out of the clinics as quickly as possible we are encouraging the public to wear short-sleeved shirts.

There is NO CHARGE for H1N1 vaccinations. However, please bring your insurance card if you have one. Proof of residency in Washington, Iron, Beaver, Garfield & Kane counties is required.

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• Staying home from work or school if you have a respiratory illness
• Covering coughs with your shirt sleeve
• Avoiding contact with people who are coughing or ill
• WASHING HANDS FREQUENTLY

Here is downloadable information to help you better prepare and protect family from the flu both seasonal and the Novel Influenza A(H1H1) strand.

• The Flu & You (what you need to know)
• Flu Kit (a short list of must haves for the flu)
• Influenza Stay At Home Tool-Kit
• Plan 9 (nine things you need to have to be ready for any emergency)

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Question & Answer:
We currently have available a form with the most frequently asked questions concerning this disease.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION & ANSWERS...

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Medical Provider Guidance:
We are working to make sure that health care providers have the most up to date guidance on this virus. Please refer back here regularly as the guidance may change.

DOWNLOAD CURRENT LAB FORM...
DOWNLOAD UPHL FLU SAMPLE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES...

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Additional Information:

Travel Alerts/Warnings

Utah Department of Health

World Health Organizations

Center For Disease Control & Prevention

Health & Human Services Media Update

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Article Archive

Department Press Releases