Influenza Pandemics
The 2009 H1N1 global pandemic was declared over by the World Health Organization (WHO) in August 2010. Even though the immediate pandemic threat has subsided, the Idaho Division of Public Health recommends a yearly flu vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting yourself against the flu. The seasonal flu vaccine for 2011-2012 will protect you against an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus, and the 2009 H1N1 virus. It is not too late to be vaccinated for the 2011-2012 flu season.
Stay Healthy
To help protect yourself and the people you are in contact with from getting the flu, follow these flu prevention tips:
- Get vaccinated.
- Seasonal influenza vaccine.
- Pneumococcal vaccine: Influenza makes people more susceptible to bacterial pneumonia. Pneumococcal vaccine can help prevent pneumonia, other illness, and death caused by pneumococcal bacteria. Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for persons age 65 years and older, all children younger than 24 months of age, and persons age 2 through 64 years who have certain medical conditions.To determine if you are eligible for these vaccines, speak to your local health department or healthcare provider.
- Cover your cough.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- If you have a fever, stay home for at least 24 hours after that fever has ended.
Be Ready
Resources about how Idahoans can protect themselves and their communities from an influenza pandemic can be found in the Be Ready section of this Web site. Helpful information is available for individuals, families, schools, businesses, health care workers, and others.