H1N1 Influenza
State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., Receives his H1N1 Shot Recently in Albany
All New Yorkers over 6 months of age are encouraged to get the H1N1 flu vaccine, which is now available for everyone, not just those in priority groups. Flu activity typically is greatest during the first three months of the year. Getting vaccinated now will provide protection against the H1N1 flu through the spring.
Weekly Update
Flu Activity in New York State
Latest News on New York State Response to H1N1 Flu
- New H1N1 TV Public Service Announcement
- Governor Paterson with Sid the Science Kid: Get the H1N1 Flu Vaccine
- Free Antiviral Flu Medicines for Uninsured and Under-Insured Individuals
- All H1N1 Press Releases
Where to Find Flu Vaccine in New York State
Information for Providers
- Notice of Expiration Date Change of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine - February 3, 2010 (PDF, 419KB, 6pg.)
- Notice of Voluntary Non-Safety Related Recall of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine - February 1, 2010 (PDF, 159KB, 4pg.)
- Notice of Expiration Date Change of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine - January 11, 2010 (PDF, 166KB, 3pg.)
- Notice of Voluntary Recall of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine - MedImmune - December 23, 2009 (PDF, 289KB, 8pg.)
- Notice of Voluntary Recall of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine - Sanofi Pasteur - December 15, 2009 (PDF, 236KB, 6pg.)
- H1N1 Vaccine Ordering and Reporting Information
Key Information
- Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
- H1N1 Influenza Hotline for the Public: 1-800-808-1987 - available 24/7
- New York City residents call 311
- Health care personnel with questions about influenza vaccination requirements please call 1-800-808-1987
- Flu clinics offered by local county health departments
H1N1 Vaccine
- New York State Department of Health Statement Regarding Current H1N1 Vaccine Supply, Redistribution of Vaccine, Demand and Need by Public
- How H1N1 Vaccine is Allocated in New York State
- Watch "H1N1 flu vaccine-why the delay?" On the CDC's YouTube Channel
- Information about the seasonal flu vaccine
- Dr. Paul Offit Vaccine Presentation - Albany.edu
- Flu Myths and Realities - CDC.gov
- Debate Over H1N1 Vaccine? There Shouldn't Be One - NPR.org
- Frequently asked questions about the H1N1 flu vaccine
- Effectiveness & Safety - FDA.gov
- 2009–10 Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Overview - CDC.gov
- Information for Providers and Clinicians
- Learn more about the H1N1 vaccine
Resources
- Media and Educational Materials
- H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation - Flu.gov
- Know What to do About the Flu: Who Needs a Flu Test?
- H1N1 Flu and Seasonal Flu: Differences and Similarities
- The Facts About Facemasks
- Information on Tamiflu®
- Information on Relenza®
- Information about Cleaning and Disinfectants
- More H1N1 information from the CDC
Information for Specific Groups
How to Reduce Your Chances of Getting or Spreading H1N1
- Everyone should get vaccinated against seasonal flu, which is expected to circulate along with the new H1N1 flu.
- Get the new H1N1 vaccine as soon as it is available to you.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
What Should I do if I Have Flu-like Symptoms?
If you have a fever with a cough or sore throat, stay home from work or school until you have been free of fever for at least one day without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
You don't need to go to a hospital emergency department if your illness is mild. Most people with flu have mild to moderate symptoms and recover at home without medical treatment.
But there are times when it is appropriate to call your doctor or to go to a hospital.
When should I contact a doctor or go to the hospital?
If your symptoms are bad and getting worse, seek medical treatment from your doctor or go to the hospital.
Some signs that you may need medical treatment:
Adults
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or stomach
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe vomiting that won't stop
Children
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Refusing to drink fluids
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea that won't stop
- Being too irritable to be held
- Bluish skin color
- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
Some people are at higher risk of serious illness and complications from the flu
If you fall into any of the following groups or have any of the following conditions, contact a health care provider and seek medical treatment at the first signs of flu. Your health care provider may want to prescribe an antiviral medicine that reduces the severity of the flu or recommend other measures.
- Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years
- People 65 and older
- Pregnant women
- People who have:
- Cancer
- Blood disorders (including sickle cell disease)
- Respiratory conditions or diseases, including asthma, chronic lung disease, or Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Kidney disorders
- Liver disorders
- Neurological disorders (including nervous system, brain or spinal cord)
- Neuromuscular disorders (including muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis)
- Weakened immune systems (including people with HIV/AIDS)