Swine (H1N1) Flu Information

Watch this page for the latest information about Swine (H1N1) Flu relevant to those who live and work Springfield, Massachusetts. For the latest updates from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, follow their Commonwealth Conversations Swine Flu weblog.

Free H1N1 Flu Clinics

Watch the Springfield HHS News and Events web page for notice of free clinics where you and you family can receive the H1N1 vaccine. More info>>

City of Springfield Prepares for Seasonal Flu and H1N1

H1N1 (referred to as “Swine Flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illnesses in people.  This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009.  This virus is spreading from person to person worldwide, probably in much the same way the regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.  On June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 N1H1 was underway. A pandemic is an epidemic of infectious disease that is spreading across a large region; for instance a continent or worldwide.

There have been over the past century four additional flu pandemics that have gripped the world. The flu pandemic that was most severe was the Spanish flu that happened from 1918-1920, fifty million people died worldwide.  Other pandemics include: Russian flu 1889-1990; Asian flu 1957-1958 and the Hong Kong flu 1968-1969.

Springfield Department of Health and Human Services (SDHHS) is working closely with the Springfield School Department and Emergency Preparedness to create a plan to administer seasonal flu shots and N1H1 when the vaccine becomes available.

The regular flu vaccine is currently available.  The Springfield Department of Health and Human Services (SDHHS) is in the process of setting up our first clinic.  There are several efforts that will be coordinated by SDHHS. The overall plan calls for a geographical strategy that will establish clinics in multiple sites as vaccine becomes available.  As these sites are confirmed information will be published on COS. Seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for children 6 months to 18 years as a priority population for the first time this year.

Other priority groups for season flu include:

• Pregnant women;
• People 50 years or older;
• People with certain health problems like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease;
• Caregivers of individuals in the above categories.

It is our recommendation that school-aged children, when possible, get their flu shot from their pediatrician or primary care provider and not wait for the school department to administer the vaccine.

In Massachusetts 64% of confirmed cases of N1H1 are under the age of 18. The government leading vaccine advisory group recommended that children and young adults also be among several groups given priority for a H1N1 flu vaccination.  State and local public health planners have been asked to plan for the vaccine being available mid-October.

Other priority groups for H1N1 include:

• Pregnant women;
• Household contacts/caregivers of infants<6 months;
• People age 25 to 64 with certain medical conditions;
• Health care providers and emergency medical personnel.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has convened an advisory committee whose mission is to help plan the Massachusetts response to H1N1 and to develop a plan to assist with the administration of what could possibly be tens of thousands of does of flu vaccines to residents in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Many partners and vaccinators will be needed…..primary care providers, local and regional public health, schools, hospitals, community and commercial vaccinators, home health pharmacist and persons from occupational health.

As we undertake what will be a massive immunization effort, the most critical partnerships that must be established, if we are to be successful, are with the community members, parents and those who care for children.  Of utmost importance will be to help our children and other family members avoid getting H1N1 (Swine flu) or infecting others if they have the flu.

These things are very simple, but they work:

• Get a flu shot every year to prevent the flu!
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough into your inner elbow.
• Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Use household cleaner to clean things that are touched like:
  • Door and refrigerator handles
  • Computer keyboard and mouse
  • Phones
  • Kid’s toys
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.
• If you are sick…….stay home!
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people; don’t share glasses or eating utensils.
• Wash a sick person’s laundry in hot water and dry it on high.  Wear gloves or wash your hands after touching laundry.
• If you are breastfeeding your baby and you have the flu, you might want to wear a face mask so your baby does not get sick.

Finally, H1N1 fact sheets and information provided by the State Department will be posted on this website on a regular basis.

Helen R. Caulton Harris, Director
Division of Health and Human Services

What if I (or a family member) is diagnosed with H1N1 Flu?

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued  Home Isolation Instructions for patients with suspect, probable and confirmed influenza.