H1N1

The pandemic H1N1 virus (AKA Swine Flu) continues to cause widespread illness. With the flu season upon us, Tribal Members and their families should keep informed of the current and developing situation, and take precautions to keep themselves healthy.

Tribal Health and Human Services urges all Tribal Members to get both the regular flu vaccination and the H1N1 vaccination. Regular seasonal flu vaccinations are now widely available. As the H1N1 vaccines gradually become available, prioritization will be given to the following:

Pregnant women

People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age.

Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel.

Persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years.

People ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
Please check with your primary care provider to find out when you can get the H1N1 vaccine. The Tribal Medical Clinic will begin offering both the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines in late October or early November, and sooner if possible.

As many parents know, when the kids go back to school the germs are likely to find their way to your home. Even if you don’t have children in the home, here are some ways to keep from getting and/or spreading germs:

Wash your hands frequently. If warm water and soap is not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.

Sneeze and cough into a tissue or into your upper arm shirt sleeves, not your bare hands. Only use a tissue once, then throw it away and wash your hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are coughing and sneezing, or otherwise appear to be sick.

Stay home if you are sick and for 24 hours after your fever goes away.
Seek medical attention if you become very ill.

For updates on H1N1, visit the following websites:

Center for Disease Control - H1N1 website
Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania and Wahkiakum counties and Cowlitz Tribe - H1N1 website