MARQUETTE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATES/PREVENTION

We can now offer the H1N1 vaccine to the general population.  Appointments are required.
Please call the clinic at 475-7844 for information.

View these informative webcasts for comprehensive information regarding H1N1 

Click here for a Webcasting Quick Reference Guide

Ask the Doctors - H1N1 - Marquette County Public Health Department

Four local physicians discuss H1N1 - the Swine Flu, and answer questions covering Flu Shots, Treament and what you can do to not get the Flu

MPHI Webcast: Novel H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu)

Our Medical Director, Kevin Piggott, M.D. MPH provides an overview of the H1N1 Flu (Swine FLU). In his presentation Dr. Piggott discusses the incidence of the H1N1 Flu, how it is spread, medications that would assist in recovery and how to keep yourself from getting the H1N1 Flu.

The Marquette County Health Department as well as the CDC and State of Michigan has stopped counting individual cases of H1N1. The primary reason is that due to the large number of cases already identified in the Nation (estimates range as high as one million), this virus is already in our communities. What we know to date:

• Pandemic H1N1 will almost certainly be pervasive. Almost every case of influenza this summer is pandemic H1N1, regardless of whether it has been tested and confirmed. CDC estimates are that up to 40% of the population will be affected in the next two years. It is infecting more every day, and will infect far more in the months ahead.
• Pandemic H1N1 looks very mild so far. For every 10,000 people in the U.S. sick with pandemic H1N1, only 2–3 have died. So far, pandemic H1N1 is much milder than the seasonal flu and much, much milder than the famous 1918 pandemic. Even if the pandemic stays this mild – a big if – it will need to be taken seriously. This is the most informative number to look at: 263 U.S. deaths out of 1,000,000+ illnesses, not 263 U.S. deaths out of 40,000+ confirmed cases. The second comparison falsely implies a much more severe pandemic than we are actually experiencing so far.
• We must prepare for the possibility that pandemic H1N1 could become more severe. Influenza is notoriously unpredictable. Influenza mutates easily, and some mutations could make it cause more severe illnesses. The Marquette County Health Department and other health care providers are preparing for the possibility of increased severity. Companies, schools, civic groups, individuals and families should also consider ways they can become more prepared.

In the weeks ahead, please check this website to see what the Marquette County Health Department recommendations are regarding both seasonal flu and H1N1.

Flu Self-Assessment, based on material from Emory University, to:

• Learn whether you have the symptoms of H1N1 flu (swine flu)
• Help you decide what to do next

Stay at Home Toolkit

Downloadable Handout! Seasonal and Novel H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Parents

Worksite Guidance for H1N1

Fifth Guy

The following websites also provide up to date information regarding Swine Flu

The Michigan Department of Community Health

This website contains updates specific to the State of Michigan and is updated daily. Scroll down to find information for specific groups such as clinicians, laboratories, and public health professionals such as the swine influenza testing algorithm and laboratory guidance.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Also updated daily, this website also contains information for professionals and information on what you can do to remain healthy.

In addition you can view and/or subscribe to the CDC's RSS news feed to receive information automatically whenever there is a new update:

CDC Swine Flu RSS Feed

World Health Organization (WHO)

WHO is coordinating the global response to human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) and monitoring the corresponding threat of an influenza pandemic. Thier website contains nformation on the evolving situation and provides access to both technical guidelines and information useful for the general public. Up-to-date numbers of cases are included in the most recent disease outbreak information.

WHO Swine Flu RSS Feed

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Information for Specific Groups

• Parents and Caregivers
• Pregnant Women
• Child Care Programs, Schools, Colleges and Universities
• Travelers and the Travel Industry
• Clinicians
• Laboratorians
• Adults with HIV Infection
• Preparing Tribal Nations to Receive Strategic National Stockpile Assets [PDF 163KB]
• Businesses and Employers
• Considerations for Local Government and Businesses
• H1N1 Guidance for Camp Programs

Prevention Information:

Control of Pandemic Flu Virus on Environmental Surfaces in Homes and Public Places

MCHD Handwashing Fact Sheet

The importance of handwashing in disease prevention.

Video regarding the proper technique to use when sneezing or coughing to avoid spreading disease

Tim and Moby Tell You About Swine Flu:  This is a YouTube Video in which Tim and Moby tell you how Swine Flu started, describe the symptoms, explain all about epidemics and how to protect yourself against infection.