SWINE FLU FACT SHEET
(H1N1 Virus)
DEERFIELD BOH
30 APRIL 2009
Phone: 413-665-1400 Fax: 413-665-1411
***CAUTION: Guidance on swine flu is constantly changing. Always check the resources mentioned below first as what’s true today may not be true tomorrow. Practices like proper hand-washing, social distancing, covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing will not change.***
Q: What’s the best source for updates and new information on swine flu?
A: www.mass.gov/dph and www.cdc.gov/swineflu are excellent recommended resources. They are the most accurate and dependable. Massachusetts has also set up an answer line for residents with basic information on swine flu. It can be reached by dialing “211” on your phone.
Q: How is swine flu transmitted?
A: It can be transmitted person-to-person mainly through coughing and sneezing. You can also pick up the virus from a surface that is contaminated with the virus.
Q: How long is someone contagious with swine flu?
A: Being contagious means that you can spread the flu to another person. Scientists, in general, believe that persons are contagious 1 day before symptoms (fever, coughing, sneezing, aches, sore throat, fatigue) and 7 days after becoming sick. This contagiousness period may possibly be longer than 7 days if a person is still showing symptoms. Also, please note that children may be able to spread the flu even after this seven day period.
Q: Does my doctor have vaccine to give me and my family?
A: The short answer is no or not yet. It takes many months to produce vaccine for the flu. Since this is a new strain of flu our current flu vaccines will not offer significant protection against swine flu.
Q: Does the flu shot I received this past winter protect me?
A: Scientists believe that past vaccine may offer some level of protection against this new strain. However, how much and to what degree is not known. Those receiving the swine flu vaccine in 1976 may have some residual resistance to this current strain but whether this is so and how much protection is unknown.
Q: Will pigs give me swine flu and is it safe to eat pork?
A: Swine flu has existed in North American pig populations for many years. This longstanding common swine flu is different from the swine flu that is currently making the headlines. It is only very recently (last few months) that swine flu has crossed over into human populations in a significant way. CDC/WHO/DPH are all saying that it is okay to eat pork that is adequately cooked.
Q: Is there any treatment for swine flu?
A: As stated previously there is no current vaccine. However, this strain appears to be susceptible to specific anti-viral medications.
Q: How concerned should I be about the health threat to me and my family?
A: The main concern in this country is the possibility that swine flu could develop into a virulent strain of flu. As of 4/30/09 the World Health Organization has declared the H1N1 swine influenza to be highly contagious (easily spread from person to person) and has given it Pandemic Phase 5 status. This means that a pandemic (infectious disease condition spreading throughout the world) is imminent. The severity of symptoms in terms of severe illness and death has been much more evident in Mexico than in other places so far. Scientists are unsure whether the swine flu will be as severe in this country as it has been in Mexico. The level of severity depends on many still unknown factors. It could be worse than Mexico, the same, less severe…we simply do not yet know. As doctors and scientists learn more about this disease they will be able to give more specific predictions about health impacts. Updates on virulence are occurring all the time.
Q: What can I do to protect the health of me and my family?
A: Insist on frequent and effective hand-washing (20 seconds or so, very vigorous). Social distancing, i.e., staying at least 6 feet away from folks suspected of being sick, is very important. Sneeze into your elbow or tissues for coughing and sneezing. Wash hands after disposing of tissue. Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. See your doctor if you are feeling ill. Stay home if you are sick. Maintain healthy eating and sleeping habits to boost your immune system.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Swine Flu Information...
Within the last several days, Swine Flu is hitting the headlines. We want to ensure our community that the Deerfield Board of Health is monitoring this situation. Currently as of April 27, 2009 12 million doses of Tamiflu have been released to the states(s).
We are asking that you use the following steps in protecting yourself and your family.
Wash your hands frequently
Cough into your elbow
If you have flu like symptoms, contact your physician PROMPTLY.
If you have further questions, contact our office at 413-665-1400 Ext 108.
We are asking that you use the following steps in protecting yourself and your family.
Wash your hands frequently
Cough into your elbow
If you have flu like symptoms, contact your physician PROMPTLY.
If you have further questions, contact our office at 413-665-1400 Ext 108.
Swine Influenza (Flu)
Swine Flu website last updated April 28, 2009 6:00 AM ET
U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection(As of April 27, 2009 1:00 PM ET)
State
# of laboratory confirmed cases
California 7 cases
Kansas 2 cases
New York City 28 cases
Ohio 1 case
Texas 2 cases
TOTAL COUNT 40 cases
International Human Cases of Swine Flu InfectionSee: World Health Organization
Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in the United States. Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection also have been identified internationally. The current U.S. case count is provided below. An investigation and response effort surrounding the outbreak of swine flu is ongoing. CDC is working very closely with officials in states where human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) have been identified, as well as with health officials in Mexico, Canada and the World Health Organization. This includes deploying staff domestically and internationally to provide guidance and technical support.
CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the agency's response to this emerging health threat and yesterday the Secretary of the Department Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, declared a public health emergency in the United States. This will allow funds to be released to support the public health response. CDC's goals during this public health emergency are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to assist health care providers, public health officials and the public in addressing the challenges posed by this newly identified influenza virus. To this end, CDC has issued a number of interim guidance documents in the past 24 hours. In addition, CDC's Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is releasing one-quarter of its antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to help states respond to the outbreak. Laboratory testing has found the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available.
Swine Flu website last updated April 28, 2009 6:00 AM ET
U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection(As of April 27, 2009 1:00 PM ET)
State
# of laboratory confirmed cases
California 7 cases
Kansas 2 cases
New York City 28 cases
Ohio 1 case
Texas 2 cases
TOTAL COUNT 40 cases
International Human Cases of Swine Flu InfectionSee: World Health Organization
Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in the United States. Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection also have been identified internationally. The current U.S. case count is provided below. An investigation and response effort surrounding the outbreak of swine flu is ongoing. CDC is working very closely with officials in states where human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) have been identified, as well as with health officials in Mexico, Canada and the World Health Organization. This includes deploying staff domestically and internationally to provide guidance and technical support.
CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the agency's response to this emerging health threat and yesterday the Secretary of the Department Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, declared a public health emergency in the United States. This will allow funds to be released to support the public health response. CDC's goals during this public health emergency are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to assist health care providers, public health officials and the public in addressing the challenges posed by this newly identified influenza virus. To this end, CDC has issued a number of interim guidance documents in the past 24 hours. In addition, CDC's Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is releasing one-quarter of its antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to help states respond to the outbreak. Laboratory testing has found the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Food Recall
Alert Message: WASHINGTON, March 25, 2009 - Sara Lee North American Retail, a St. Joseph, Mo., establishment, is recalling approximately 1,728 pounds of cheese frank products because they were inadvertently packaged with beef frank labels and therefore contained undeclared allergens, milk and cheese. Milk, a known potential allergen, is not declared on the label. The following product is subject to recall: [View Labels] 1-pound packages of Ball Park BRAND BEEF FRANKS. Each package bears the use by date of May 07 09 P8740A as well as a UPC code of 5450010002. The cheese frank products were produced on Feb. 12, 2009, and were shipped to retail establishments nationwide intended for use by consumers. The problem was discovered by the company after receiving consumer inquiries. FSIS has received no reports of illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician. Media with questions about the recall should contact company Director of Communications Sara Matheu at (630) 598-8722. Consumers with questions about the recall should contact the Sara Lee Consumer Affairs Recall Hotline at (888) 891-6100. Please find details in attachment
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Thunderstorms & Lightning - What To Do
Thunderstorms are very common in the Spring and Summer months. Despite their small size in comparison to hurricanes and blizzards, all thunderstorms are dangerous. Every thunderstorm produces lightning and has the potential to produce associated dangers such as tornadoes, destructive winds, hail and flash flooding. Of the estimated 100,000 thunderstorms each year in the U.S., about 10% are classified as severe, meaning it produces hail, at least ¾” in diameter, has winds of 58 mph or higher, or produces a tornado. Thunderstorms must be taken very seriously.
MEMA offers thunderstorm, and more particularly, lightning safety tips:
Before the Thunderstorm
Know the terms used by weather forecasters:
Severe Thunderstorm Watch – Tells where and when severe thunderstorms are likely to occur. Watch the sky and stay tuned to the Media.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning – Issued when severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated on radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm.
Before a thunderstorm strikes, keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind.
Thunderstorms can occur singly, in clusters or in lines. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter, producing heavy rain for a brief period from 30 to 60 minutes.
When a thunderstorm approaches, secure outdoor objects that could be blown away or cause damage. Shutter windows, if possible, and secure outside doors.
If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be affected by lightning, and should go inside to safe shelter immediately.
Remember that lightning can strike up to 10 miles ahead of or after the arrival of the storm. Listen to weather forecasts on NOAA Weather Radio, or to local radio and television stations for the latest information. Lightning kills an average of 73 people in this country annually, more than tornadoes or hurricanes. In general, lightning will travel the easiest route from the clouds to the ground, which means it often strikes the tallest object.
During this season people are taking part in activities that place them in locations most vulnerable to being struck by lightning, such as on golf courses, ball fields, beaches and large bodies of water. In the U.S., an average of 300 people are injured and 80 killed each year by lightning.
During the Thunderstorm
If you are caught outside during a thunderstorm, you should protect yourself from lightning by going to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles or metal object, which can serve as a natural lightning rod. (Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding).
Make yourself the smallest target possible by squatting low to the ground and by placing your hands on your knees with your head between them. Be as low to the ground as possible, with as little of your body touching the ground as possible. (Don’t lie flat; this will make you a larger target!).
Do not stand on a hilltop, in an open field, on a beach or in a boat on the water.
If boating, or swimming, get to land immediately.
Avoid isolated sheds or small structures in open areas.
Get away from anything metal such as tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, bicycles, wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes, rails, and other metallic paths that could carry lightning to you from a distance.
In a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a growth of smaller trees.
If indoors, avoid metallic objects and fixtures.
Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
Avoid using a corded telephone, except for emergencies. Cordless or cellular telephones are safe to use.
Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers. Turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
Use your battery operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.
Note that rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection, if you are not touching metal. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes you car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
Thunderstorms are very common in the Spring and Summer months. Despite their small size in comparison to hurricanes and blizzards, all thunderstorms are dangerous. Every thunderstorm produces lightning and has the potential to produce associated dangers such as tornadoes, destructive winds, hail and flash flooding. Of the estimated 100,000 thunderstorms each year in the U.S., about 10% are classified as severe, meaning it produces hail, at least ¾” in diameter, has winds of 58 mph or higher, or produces a tornado. Thunderstorms must be taken very seriously.
MEMA offers thunderstorm, and more particularly, lightning safety tips:
Before the Thunderstorm
Know the terms used by weather forecasters:
Severe Thunderstorm Watch – Tells where and when severe thunderstorms are likely to occur. Watch the sky and stay tuned to the Media.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning – Issued when severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated on radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm.
Before a thunderstorm strikes, keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind.
Thunderstorms can occur singly, in clusters or in lines. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter, producing heavy rain for a brief period from 30 to 60 minutes.
When a thunderstorm approaches, secure outdoor objects that could be blown away or cause damage. Shutter windows, if possible, and secure outside doors.
If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be affected by lightning, and should go inside to safe shelter immediately.
Remember that lightning can strike up to 10 miles ahead of or after the arrival of the storm. Listen to weather forecasts on NOAA Weather Radio, or to local radio and television stations for the latest information. Lightning kills an average of 73 people in this country annually, more than tornadoes or hurricanes. In general, lightning will travel the easiest route from the clouds to the ground, which means it often strikes the tallest object.
During this season people are taking part in activities that place them in locations most vulnerable to being struck by lightning, such as on golf courses, ball fields, beaches and large bodies of water. In the U.S., an average of 300 people are injured and 80 killed each year by lightning.
During the Thunderstorm
If you are caught outside during a thunderstorm, you should protect yourself from lightning by going to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles or metal object, which can serve as a natural lightning rod. (Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding).
Make yourself the smallest target possible by squatting low to the ground and by placing your hands on your knees with your head between them. Be as low to the ground as possible, with as little of your body touching the ground as possible. (Don’t lie flat; this will make you a larger target!).
Do not stand on a hilltop, in an open field, on a beach or in a boat on the water.
If boating, or swimming, get to land immediately.
Avoid isolated sheds or small structures in open areas.
Get away from anything metal such as tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, bicycles, wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes, rails, and other metallic paths that could carry lightning to you from a distance.
In a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a growth of smaller trees.
If indoors, avoid metallic objects and fixtures.
Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
Avoid using a corded telephone, except for emergencies. Cordless or cellular telephones are safe to use.
Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers. Turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
Use your battery operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.
Note that rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection, if you are not touching metal. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes you car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
Deerfield’s Operation Neighborhood (DON)
If a disaster were to occur in the Town of Deerfield residents may experience a loss of power, disruption of normal services, damage to their home, or contamination of drinking water. In the event of an Avian Flu Pandemic, closing of schools, canceling of public meetings, church services, closing of stores and businesses, and sheltering in place could be a reality.
To face these challenges and best prepare its residents the Town of Deerfield has developed Deerfield’s“Operation Neighborhood” (DON). This program has several goals. First, to determine the status of the safety and health of your neighbors in a disaster, and to gauge the amount of assistance that might be needed. This determination will lessen the burden of the already taxed Emergency Medical System (EMS) and other Town services. Secondly, aid in communication of reliable information. Communication in time of disaster is a major concern. Information given to the residents in the Town of Deerfield will decrease fear and anxiety and will reduce the impact of the disaster. With the help of our neighborhood coordination system information will be dispersed in a timely manner without flooding the Police and Town Offices with individual phone calls. Our third objective is to encourage all families to make a Personal Preparedness Plan and Kit. These steps are critical for the well being of your family and pets and are the best defense against any disaster. Lastly, education of the various types of disasters that could occur in our Town will give us a better understanding of what to expect. This knowledge will lead to a reduction of uneasiness and an increased understanding of how to prepare. Then ultimately, a successful recovery will occur.
To accomplish these goals, the streets of Deerfield have been placed in groups. Each group of streets has been assigned one or several “Neighborhood Coordinators” who will carry out the objectives of “Operation Neighborhood.”
The Town of Deerfield is taking a Proactive rather than a Reactive philosophy concerning disasters. Making a Family Preparedness Plan and Kit is that Proactive action that will best protect our families in time of disaster.
"DON" Preparedness Brochure
Deerfield’s Operation Neighborhood Steering Committee:
Carolyn Shores Ness
Liz Kugler
Beverly Healy
Deb Gordon
Zack Smith
Lisa White
Town of Deerfield, 8 Conway Street, Deerfield, MA 01373 PH: (413) 665-4645
Virtual Town Hall Website Website Disclaimer Privacy Policy
If a disaster were to occur in the Town of Deerfield residents may experience a loss of power, disruption of normal services, damage to their home, or contamination of drinking water. In the event of an Avian Flu Pandemic, closing of schools, canceling of public meetings, church services, closing of stores and businesses, and sheltering in place could be a reality.
To face these challenges and best prepare its residents the Town of Deerfield has developed Deerfield’s“Operation Neighborhood” (DON). This program has several goals. First, to determine the status of the safety and health of your neighbors in a disaster, and to gauge the amount of assistance that might be needed. This determination will lessen the burden of the already taxed Emergency Medical System (EMS) and other Town services. Secondly, aid in communication of reliable information. Communication in time of disaster is a major concern. Information given to the residents in the Town of Deerfield will decrease fear and anxiety and will reduce the impact of the disaster. With the help of our neighborhood coordination system information will be dispersed in a timely manner without flooding the Police and Town Offices with individual phone calls. Our third objective is to encourage all families to make a Personal Preparedness Plan and Kit. These steps are critical for the well being of your family and pets and are the best defense against any disaster. Lastly, education of the various types of disasters that could occur in our Town will give us a better understanding of what to expect. This knowledge will lead to a reduction of uneasiness and an increased understanding of how to prepare. Then ultimately, a successful recovery will occur.
To accomplish these goals, the streets of Deerfield have been placed in groups. Each group of streets has been assigned one or several “Neighborhood Coordinators” who will carry out the objectives of “Operation Neighborhood.”
The Town of Deerfield is taking a Proactive rather than a Reactive philosophy concerning disasters. Making a Family Preparedness Plan and Kit is that Proactive action that will best protect our families in time of disaster.
"DON" Preparedness Brochure
Deerfield’s Operation Neighborhood Steering Committee:
Carolyn Shores Ness
Liz Kugler
Beverly Healy
Deb Gordon
Zack Smith
Lisa White
Town of Deerfield, 8 Conway Street, Deerfield, MA 01373 PH: (413) 665-4645
Virtual Town Hall Website Website Disclaimer Privacy Policy
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Deerfield's Town Nurse
Residents of Deerfield can now see our Town Nurse for the following:
* Blood Pressure Monitoring
* Glucose Testing
* Prescription Drug Information
* Information about Health Issues
* Help with Health Care and Social Service needs
Walk-Ins are welcome on Wednesdays from 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Consultations can also be arranged by contacting Lisa White, RN at 413-665-1400 Ext 114 or at the Franklin Regional Council of Governments offices at 413-774-3167 Ext 106.
* Blood Pressure Monitoring
* Glucose Testing
* Prescription Drug Information
* Information about Health Issues
* Help with Health Care and Social Service needs
Walk-Ins are welcome on Wednesdays from 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Consultations can also be arranged by contacting Lisa White, RN at 413-665-1400 Ext 114 or at the Franklin Regional Council of Governments offices at 413-774-3167 Ext 106.
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