11/09/2009
(Letter from the Grand Traverse County Health Department)
Dear Grand Traverse County Parents:
As most of you are aware, we are experiencing a shortage of the 2009 H1N1 Vaccine. We are all frustrated with the lack of vaccine while this outbreak of the H1N1 (or Swine Flu) has hit our community. We are working hard to get the vaccine out as soon as possible, but we have had to delay some clinics because we have run out of vaccine. So far we have received far less than what we were promised.
The good news is that, with the cooperation of TCAPS, we have been able to vaccinate over 900 students this past week. We also, with the cooperation of the Grand Traverse Mall, were able to vaccinate another 914 high risk children and pregnant women on October 25. We have also been able to push out 4900 doses to physicians’ offices, Munson Health Care, Pediatricians, and Obstetricians for health care workers, pregnant women, and children.
As soon as we receive our anticipated vaccine, we will reschedule the school clinics that were delayed. We appreciate your patience and encourage you to continue being vigilant about preventing the flu by good hygiene and staying home when you or your child is sick. Someone ill with this H1N1 flu must be carefully monitored for any signs of complications. Get medical care right away if you or your sick child
- Has difficult breathing or chest pain
- Has purple or blue discoloration of the lips
- Is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
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Shows signs of dehydration, such as feeling dizzy when standing, being unable to urinate, or (in infants) crying without shedding tears
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Has seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions), or
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Is less responsive that normal or becomes confused.
Again, thank you for your continued patience as we are waiting for the arrival of more vaccine.
Sincerely,
Frederick L. Keeslar MSPH
Health Officer
Flu Prevention Tips:
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Frequent hand washing or use of hand sanitizers.
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Avoid hand-to-face contact like rubbing the eyes or nose and biting fingernails.
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Avoid close contact with people who appear ill (who are coughing and sneezing).
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Refrain from attending outside activities or going out into large public places if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms.
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If your child does become ill it will be important to keep the child home from school. For most children, bed rest along with adequate hydration and possibly the use of fever reducing medications (Tylenol or ibuprofen) will be sufficient.
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If your child seems unusually sick in any way you should be quick to communicate with your children’s personal physician.
We appreciate your care and concern for your child, and hope you understand our efforts to do the best for our children’s health as well as their education.
Action Steps For Protecting Your Child Against
the Flu this School Year
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Interview with Michael Collins, MD
Grand Traverse County Health Department
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Preventing the Spread of Flu in Schools
by West Middle School 8th Grade Students
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