Health Services - Norwalk Department of Health - health programs, medical resources, Connecticut

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Flu.gov

H1N1 (Swine) FLU INFORMATION

The H1N1 Influenza is a respiratory virus that spreads from person-to-person. Most people who have contracted H1N1 flu have recovered without needing medical treatment. However, people with chronic medical conditions, the very young, the very old and those who are pregnant should contact their physician if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms. The best way to minimize the spread of the virus is to take these everyday steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or the crook of your arm when you cough or sneeze.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100°F or 37.8°C) or signs of a fever (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Acetominophen or Ibuprofen).

Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

VACCINE IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR ANYONE AGES 6 MONTHS AND OVER:

UPDATED 1/21/10

All pediatricians and most obstetricians in the greater Norwalk area have agreed to provide the vaccine to their patients when it becomes available. Please call your doctor to see if you can receive the vaccine through their office.

The Norwalk Health Department has received a supply of the H1N1 flu vaccine and it will now be available to anyone ages 6 months and over.

The months of January and February are the peak of the flu season. Don't become complacent and let the flu get you. Vaccination is your best protection against the H1N1 flu virus. The Norwalk Health Department continues to offer the H1N1 vaccine to anyone 6 months of age and older without restriction and without cost. You'll be in and out in no time. Call (203) 854-7776 for more information on how you can get vaccinated.

Note: Nasal spray is preservative-free; it does NOT contain thimerosal. Currently, the injectable vaccine we have contains thimerosal.

If you are in one of the priority groups listed above and are unable to receive the vaccine through your physician's office, you may call the Norwalk Health Department at (203) 854-7776 and follow the voice prompts or email us at HealthInfo@norwalkct.org. Be sure to include your name and telephone number so that we may call you back to schedule an appointment.

Responding to the H1N1 Influenza pandemic is complicated by frequently changing circumstances. Please check back here often for updated information.

For additional information you may call the Connecticut H1N1 Flu Hotline: 1-800-830-9426 or visit the following websites:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

State of CT - CT Flu Watch

FOOD SAFETY / RECALLS

The Department of Consumer Protection Food & Standards Division (DCP) issues notifications of food recalls. These recalls are updated daily. The DCP should be contacted with any questions or if the recalled product is found at (860) 713-6160. For the latest information on recalled food products, visit the following website.

U.S. Department of Agriculture - Food Safety and Inspection Service

TOY / PRODUCT RECALLS

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued multiple recalls of children's toys imported from China. These toys were found to contain lead which is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health problems. For the latest information on recalled toys and other products or to report a product-related injury visit the CPSC website @ www.cpsc.gov. To join a CPSC email subscription list, go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.asp.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Norwalk Department
of Health
137 East Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06851
1-203-854-7776
1-203-854-7934 FAX

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