The Nassau County Health Department urges all residents to be mindful of the approaching flu season and H1N1. Everyone should get their flu shots this year. Individuals who have flu‑like symptoms are encouraged to see a doctor and avoid emergency rooms at hospitals if possible. The Health Department has been working closely with school districts in the County to ensure safety in the event there is a serious health threat. The Nassau County Office of Emergency Management has been working with local governments and schools to develop a plan to combat the flu in the event of an outbreak of the H1N1 virus. Nassau County is fully prepared for the flu season, and ask all residents to be aggressive in their own preventive measures as well. Nassau BOCES has been working diligently with the school districts and the Nassau County Health Department to plan specifically for schools as the flu season approaches.
Residents are urged to include the following health tips in their fall and winter plans:
1. Get a seasonal flu shot. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Every year, 36,000 people die from flu‑related causes in the United States. The single best way to combat the flu is to receive a flu shot and practice good health habits. In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. October through December is the best time to receive a flu shot. A seasonal flu vaccine will not protect individuals against novel H1N1 (formerly known as Swine Flu). A new vaccine is being produced for novel HINT and should be available in the coming months.
2. Have a regular medical home. Identify a health care professional or medical office to coordinate and oversee you and your family members' care, whether sick or healthy. Having an identified physician or care site for you and your family members gives health care professionals a better understanding of one's family health history; this helps support continuity of care.
3. Practice good health habits and take everyday preventive actions:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
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. Avoid close contact with people who are sick and when you are sick, stay home from work, school and errands.
Eat nutritious food, be active and don't smoke.
Manage stress. Balance, work, home and play. Take time to relax and get 7‑9 hours of sleep each night. Make sure children get more, based on their age.
Get check‑ups. Regular check‑ups are important; ask your health care provider how you can lower your chances for health problems and maintain good health.
4. Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so:
Have a supply of over‑the‑counter medicines.
Wash hands with soap and water and/or have available alcohol‑based hand sanitizers.
Have tissues. Have other related items that might be useful and could help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.
5. Stay Informed. Follow public health advice regarding the flu. To date, the majority of affected individuals with novel H1N1 (formerly known as Swine Flu) continue to experience mild to moderate symptoms similar to ordinary seasonal flu, and most residents have recovered. It is important to keep in mind that each year, seasonal flu is implicated in approximately 2,000 deaths in New York State and 36,000 deaths nationwide and a new report from the White House estimates H1N1 will kill anywhere between 30,000‑90,000 Americans. Nassau County Department of Health will continue to implement the guidance issued from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York State Department of Health in its efforts to mitigate the impact on public health, and inform and educate the public to limit transmission of the influenza. Nassau County continues to meet, work and communicate with schools, health care providers and hospitals daily in planning for the fall/winter influenza season.