 Missouri is taking significant steps to deal with a new form of influenza known as the H1N1 virus, which is often referred to as swine flu. In Missouri,
as well as worldwide, the illness associated with this new virus continues to be similar to the seasonal flu. Most people who have become ill have
recovered without requiring medical treatment.
The virus, however, has been shown to be particularly aggressive in some segments of the population not usually affected by the regular flu. Those groups
include pregnant women and school-age children. In addition, those with underlying chronic health conditions, such as obesity or asthma, have been especially
vulnerable.
By taking preventive measures -- washing hands, covering one’s cough and staying home from work or school if you are sick – you can help limit
the spread of infection to others while also protecting yourself.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services on these pages provides detailed guidance on ways to limit the spread of the flu. In addition, the
department offers specific suggestions for avoiding the flu and dealing with an outbreak in a wide variety of settings. The links on the left side of this page
will take you to specialized advice for child care providers, employers, nursing homes, medical professionals, pregnant women, schools and other groups that
may face difficulties in dealing with this new virus. Additional groups will be added to this list as guidance becomes available.
Vaccines are the best way to prevent influenza. All members of the public are encouraged to receive vaccines to protect them against both the seasonal flu
and the new H1N1 flu. The H1N1 vaccine is now widely available and is appropriate for almost everyone. Remember, the seasonal flu vaccine is unlikely to provide
protection against the H1N1 virus. So people should get both vaccines for the most complete protection.
You can receive both vaccines at the same time. Children under 10 require two doses of the H1N1 vaccine given about a month apart. For more information about flu
vaccines and to find a vaccine clinic near you, please click on the vaccine icon at the top of this page.
If you catch the flu or come down with flulike illness, you should remain at home except when necessary to seek required medical care. You should remain at home
until you have been free of fever exceeding 100° F [37.8°C] for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. In health care settings,
the exclusion period should be 7 days from the onset of symptoms or until the resolution of symptoms, whichever is longer.
Groups most vulnerable to the H1N1 virus are:
- Pregnant women
- Children and young adults from 6 months through 24 years of age
- Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
- Health care and emergency medical services personnel
For the most current guidance, continue to monitor the links at left for specific information that may apply to you.
 For an in-depth look at the H1N1
virus, an explanation of how flu viruses change and information on the status of the current pandemic, check out this Powerpoint presentation
 Order Your H1N1 Vaccine InfoLine
Tools Online
Health care providers can sign up to administer the new H1N1 vaccine. Click here for
more information
The latest guidelines for dealing with flu outbreaks at
schools
Flu News Archives:
10.07.09 - H1N1 flu vaccine begins arriving in Missouri
09.14.09 - Health officials and researchers highlight benefits of new flu vaccine
09.03.09 - Flu cases spike in parts of Missouri: Three outbreaks also reported
in Missouri schools
Missouri Health Officials continue making plans to limit spread of swine
flu
FDA, FTC Warn Public of Fraudulent
2009 H1N1 Influenza Products
 H1N1 Flu Briefing: Status
of the Outbreak, How it Spreads & How You can Help in the Fight
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the H1N1
Flu Virus
Other Important Concerns:
Pets and H1N1 Flu
H1N1 Influenza A: A
Stress Management
Vaccine Safety: Get the facts on preservatives used in today’s vaccines (CDC) |
