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Dear Residents,
I am pleased to announce that now that vaccine is arriving and restrictions lifted on who can get the vaccine, we have just confirmed a series of additional H1N1 public health clinics for January. These clinics are open to the general public over the age of 1. Please note that some are by appointment only and others are walk-in. We will have both injectable and nasal mist at all clinics.
HINI CLINICS FOR GENERAL POPULATION ABOVE 1YEAR OLD
Date: Thursday January 7, 2010
Time: 4pm-7pm
Location: Millennium School
Walk-in
Date: Tuesday January 12, 2010
Time: By appointment only- Call 978 692-5509 to book
Location: Millennium School
Date: Thursday January 21, 2010
Time: 4pm-7pm
Location: Millennium School
Walk-in
Although the second wave of H1N1 is slowing down, it is not time to let your guard down as the flu season has not officially started. Experts are also warning us that a third wave is possible. Whether protecting yourself from H1N1 or seasonal flu please continue to follow the simple, yet effective, measures recommended to minimize exposures to the viruses:
- Get vaccinated! Flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself every flu season. Getting flu vaccine also means that you will not pass the flu to others..
- Wash your hands and use an alcohol hand sanitizer product often. This is one of the most effective measures. Teach your family how to properly wash hands
- Use good cough etiquette (into elbow, not hands)or cover mouth and nose with tissues when you sneeze or cough. Throw away tissues~immediately and wash hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. This decreases the chance that you will get the flu virus or other germs into your body, or that you will pass the flu to others.
- Avoid contact with ill persons. Avoid unnecessary holding, shaking hands, hugging, or kissing anyone who has a cold or the flu. People with young children who have an immune system problem or a chronic illness should avoid large crowds.
- Disinfect items that you touch frequently such as doorknobs, telephones, etc.
- Ensure that personal preparedness plans and kits are up to date, including food, medications and water supplies for~the family.
- Stay home if ill! If you have flu symptoms, stay home from work or school and avoid public activities until fever free for 24 hours without fever reducers.
- Ask your health care provider if you should get pneumococcal vaccine. You need pneumococcal vaccine (pneumonia shot) if you are 65 years or older, a smoker, or if you have a medical condition like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease.
- Contact your medical provider if you become ill to determine if testing and treatment are necessary
If you become ill and symptoms get worse requiring medical care:
- When going to the doctor’s office or the emergency room, you should avoid taking public transportation if possible.
- If you go to your doctor, please contact the doctor’s office before you leave home and tell them you have flu-like symptoms. When you arrive at the doctor’s office, go straight to the receptionist or nurse so that you can be put in a private room while you wait. You may be asked to wear a mask and you should sit away from others as much as possible. If you call an ambulance, let the operator know that you have flu-like symptoms, and also let the ambulance crew know when they arrive.
Please continue to follow updates on www.westfordma.gov and sign up for our listserv for the most current and timely information as the regular flu season is just beginning!
Wishing you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year!!
Sandy Collins, R.N.
Director of Health Care Services
23 Depot Street
Westford MA 01886
Tel: 978-399-2908
Fax: 978-399-2565
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