The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the recent outbreak of Novel Influenza A H1N1 as a pandemic. While the severity of the illness (ie, how sick people get) is not as great as first feared, the virus is novel -- meaning we have never experienced it before and therefore have no immunity to protect us from getting ill.

The Utah County Health Department has implemented plans that were developed to deal with such an outbreak. Education is a primary goal at this point, as no vaccine is available (another major tool in the public health arsenal to combat contagious disease). The UCHD is also developing further tactics if this virus becomes more virulent, as well as relationships with local health partners if wide-spread outbreak were to take place.

This website provides a resource for information, checklists for preparedness and facts to dispel rumors and myths. By working together with the community, we at the Utah County Health Department wants to be sure Utah County and its citizens can weather this outbreak with the least amount of disruption possible.

For vaccine updates, go to www.UtahCountyHealth.org/flushots

Web Resources

General Information about H1N1 Flu: Q & A’s, including guidance for treatment and infection control, background information, and audio and video resources:
www.flu.gov
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm

2009 H1N1 Flu and You: What is 2009 H1N1 Flu?
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you.htm

2009 H1N1 Vaccine Information:
Inactived (the "Flu Shot")
Live, Attenuated (the "nasal spray vaccine")

Key Facts about 2009 H1N1 Flu: How does 2009 H1N1 Flu spread?
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/key_facts.htm

Pandemic Preparedness Checklists: Preparedness lists for individuals, businesses, civic groups, etc.
www.utahcountyonline.org/Dept/HealthPreparedPanFlu/Checklists.asp

Be Ready Utah: Utah Utah’s Emergency Preparedness Campaign
www.BeReadyUtah.gov

Materials for printing

Novel Influenza A H1N1: UCHD tri-fold, general information brochure
Flu Homecare Guide: A Prevention and treatment guide to help individuals and families.
A Guide For Parents: CDC tri-fold brochure
H1N1 Fact Sheets (English and Spanish)
Home Care for Pandemic Influenza: An American Red Cross fact sheet
CDC Says "Take 3" Steps to Fight the Flu Poster (English and Spanish)

Clinican Information

The UCHD refers clinican and medical providers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site for current guidance.
Resources for Clinicians
Updated Interim Recommendations for the Use of Antiviral Medications in the Treatment and Prevention of Influenza for the 2009-2010 Season
Information about the Flu for People with Certain Medical Conditions

Business Toolkits

Besides the printable materials above, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has some excellent resources for businesses on their web site at www.cdc.gov/h1n1/business.

School Toolkits

The UCHD works closely with our local school districts and centers for higher education in order to prevent and address outbreaks for disease. Educators are encouraged to follow CDC guidance. Updated materials for child care, early chidhood programs, K-12 schools, and institutions of higher education are available at www.cdc.gov/h1n1/schools.