We are relying on the Vermont Department of Health and
the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for most of the information provided here.
Please be aware that the CDC information is a national organization and provides information for the larger population
and the Vt. Dept. of Health is our state organization provides information specific to Vermont. Dates and recommendations may be different for this reason.
There are other resources available but like any web site please be aware of the origin of your information to determine its validity.
At a recent flu forum, Commissioner Wendy Davis, MD was quoted:
“Like a snowstorm, we cannot stop the flu from happening – either the regular, seasonal flu or the new pandemic flu – but we can all
work to lessen the impact on our families and communities,” said Health Commissioner Wendy Davis, MD. “This flu season is certain to
be complex, and it will be even more important for Vermonters to know the precautions they can take and preparations they can make.”
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Please be aware that there are two types of Flu referenced in these web sites Seasonal Flu, which we see every year, and 2009 H1N1 Influenza A, the new H1N1 (swine) Flu. Prevention and treatment is often the same but be sure you are aware of this for vaccination information/clinics.
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Resources:
Vermont Department of Health
web site
2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) web page on the Vt Dept. of Health web site
Center for Disease Control web site
www.Flu.gov web site a reference from the CDD
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What is 2009 H1N1 Influenza A (aka Swine Flu, Novell H1N1)
click to read more from the CDC's web site.
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Prevent the spread of the flu.
click to read more from the Vt. Dept. of Health's web site.
Prevention and treatment of the flu.
click to read more from the CDC's web site.
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What to do if you get sick.
Including:
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The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in the fall.
Click here to read more from the Vt. Dept. of Health's web site.
The first available doses of the 2009 H1N1 influenza (sometimes called “novel H1N1” or “swine flu”) vaccine are
anticipated by mid-October 2009.
Click here to read more from the Center for Disease Control's web site.
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Recommendations on whether to close schools.
Recommendations in the new guidance for schools are based on the extent
and severity of illness in the community. If the new flu severity is similar
to what has been seen in the spring and summer,
schools should plan on staying open and taking steps to slow transmission
within schools. However, schools may decide to close for a
short time for logistical reasons – such as high numbers of teachers absent –
or for a longer time if the illness becomes more severe or extensive. We
recommend that this decision be made in consultation with the Department of Health.
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