Santa Clara County Public Health Department - Healthy New Year

The Santa Clara County Public Health Department Wishes You a Healthy New Year

Stay healthy this new year and protect yourself against the H1N1 flu by getting vaccinated. The H1N1 vaccine provides the best protection against the H1N1 flu virus.

In 2009, only people in one of the risk groups were eligible for vaccinations. That changed on January 4, and now everyone is eligible.

While hospitalizations due to H1N1 have dropped off, the virus is still causing serious illness. It’s important to remember flu pandemics are unpredictable and there could be another resurgence of the disease. So it’s still important to get vaccinated – you can protect yourself and help prevent another outbreak of the disease.

If you have not yet received your vaccination, you should get it as soon as possible. Contact your healthcare provider to see if they have the vaccine. If they do not, retail pharmacies are offering the vaccine. Pharmacies are getting the vaccine directly from the federal government this month. To find a pharmacy, enter your zip code in the Flu Vaccine Locator box on the Public Health Department’s website www.sccphd.org/h1n1vaccine.

For people who don’t have health insurance, the Public Health Department is offering H1N1 flu vaccinations by appointment only. For information about dates and times, and to make an appointment, please call 408-885-3980.

Here are some other tips to stay healthy in 2010:

• Keep your distance from people who are sick.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Carry hand sanitizers or wipes with you when you are on the go.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth.

It’s also important to take good care of yourself. Get plenty of rest and eat nutritious foods. Exercise regularly and try to keep stress under control.

You can also help reduce the spread of disease by staying home when you are sick. Cover your mouth when you cough with a tissue (and immediately throw the tissue away) or cough into the crook of your arm. While you are sick, avoid contact with family members and others who live in your household. And stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, without taking fever-reducing medications.

By following these few simple tips, we all can stay healthier in 2010!