Etowah County Citizen's Corp Meeting

Influenza and Schools Q&A

Q: The recovery period for H1N1 (swine) flu was a week after getting the disease. Has that changed?

A: Yes. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now recommends that anyone who has flu-like symptoms to stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever without the use of fever reducing measures. (Important side note: Doctors recommend NOT giving children and young adults asprin containing medicines for relief from flu like symptoms. Asprin used in viral infections is thought to be a cause of Reye's Syndrome).

Q: When will the flu vaccine be ready?

A: According to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), the seasonal flu vaccine should be ready later this month. The H1N1 vaccine should be ready in October or November.

Q: Who should get these vaccines?

A: ADPH recommends that everyone get the seasonal flu vaccine, with approval from your doctor. The CDC advises that the following groups will initially be the focus of vaccines for the H1N1 virus:

• Pregnant Women
• People from 6 months of age to 24 years.
• People with regular contact of infants who are younger than 6 months of age.
• Health care workers.
• People between 25 and 64 years old who have chronic health disorders.

After the initial focuse groups, the vaccine is expected to be offered to healthy adults.

Q: Will vaccinations be offered in school.

A: The ADPH is working with the Alabama Department of Education to implement a voluntary vaccination program in all Alabama public schools. In this program, all public school students and staff should be able to receive free H1N1 vaccinations.

Q: Are the vaccinations required?

A: No. Vaccinations, however, are the best way to avoid influenza infection according to the ADPH. Children will not be allowed to receive the vaccination without permission from parents. The ADPH and Alabama Department of Education anticipates sending permission slips out shortly before the vaccinations are administered.

Q: What other ways can my family and I avoid getting the swine flu?

A: You can avoid getting the swine flu (also known as H1N1) by taking everyday hygine steps that you would normally take. Regular hand washing is a big key. Avoiding contact with sick people. If you or someone in your family becomes infected with flu-like symptoms, take a few days off. Wait until you haven't had a fever for 24-hours without the benefit of fever reducting medication.

Stay up to date on H1N1 information by visiting the CDC or ADPH websites.

3rd Quarter LEPC Meeting

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 5, 2009 TIME: 8:00 a.m.

CONTACT: Michael Amberson, Public Information Officer 256.549.4575 (Office)

ema@cityofgadsden.com 256.328.2946 (Cell)

256.547.7952 (Fax)

LEPC Meeting

The quarterly meeting of Etowah County’s Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) will be held on Thursday August 6 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held inside the Arthur Green room located at Convention Hall in Gadsden.

The LEPC is comprised of members of the community, industry, and emergency responders who plan for hazardous materials incidents and ensure that local resources are adequate to handle an incident. Members of the public are welcomed to attend this meeting. For more information, please contact the Gadsden/Etowah Emergency Management Agency at 549-4575.

-END-