The Consortium for Infant and Child Health (CINCH) Pinch of Prevention Module: Influenza Revised Fall 2009

CINCH is a community partnership to improve children’s health in Hampton Roads The Consortium for Infant and Child Health

 Seasonal influenza can be very serious  Over 226,000 people are hospitalized each year  Over 36,000 people die each year  Children younger than 5 years old are often hospitalized What YOU Need to Know About Seasonal Flu Just the Facts!

Novel H1N1 or Swine Flu Information you need to know provides the latest information on seasonal and novel H1N1 Cannot get Swine Flu from eating pork New virus so no one is immune Symptoms similar to seasonal flu but may have nausea and/or no fever Children and young adults, pregnant women, people with health conditions like diabetes, asthma, heart disease are most vulnerable Vaccine for H1N1 is being tested Separate vaccine from seasonal flu

Why? Why do I need a flu vaccine? Why does my family need a flu vaccine?  Influenza (Flu): Single most preventable disease in the US  Children are largest group of carriers  Even if you don’t think you’ll get sick, you should still get the vaccination  YOU can infect those you care about the most before any signs or symptoms appear!

What? Not the "stomach bug" Hits hard and fast Usually too sick for work or school for a week or more

Cold vs. Flu Flu Symptoms Rapid onset Fever Aches Chills Dry cough Extreme tiredness Headache Cold Symptoms Slow, gradual onset Mild symptoms Sneezing Runny or stuffy nose Hacky, mucus producing cough Sore Throat Children may have nausea as a seasonal flu symptom. Novel H1N1 can also have nausea for both adults and children

Wash your hands frequently! Get Immunized! How? HOW do we prevent it?

Babies Toddlers Children & Teens WHO Needs to be Vaccinated? Children 6 months to 18 years old need to get vaccinated

Teachers & Caregivers And all who come in contact with children! Who Else? Parents & Grandparents

When? WHEN do I need to get vaccinated ? FALL THROUGH SPRING  Fall is the best time to get vaccinated for the flu, as soon as the vaccine is available  But winter and spring vaccination offer protection during flu's peak season

Where? WHERE do I go to GET THE FACTS about flu vaccination? Call Your  Medical Provider  Health Department  Pharmacist  School Nurse

If in Doubt… Ask Yourself CAN YOU AFFORD …  To take time off from work if you have the flu?  To take time off from work if your child has the flu?  To have your child miss school days?  To take the chance of developing severe disease from complications of the flu? If Not…

GET VACCINATED! Two vaccines are available: Flu Shot OR Flu Nasal Spray (Ask your medical provider which vaccine is best for your needs & the needs of your family members)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention PERSONAL STORIES Why Flu Vaccination Matters Watch the video at:

Questions? For more information about the flu and the flu vaccine, please contact your medical provider. In addition, you may also contact your local and state Immunization and Child Health coalitions: Consortium for Infant and Child Health (CINCH) (757) Project Immunize Virginia (PIV) (757)