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HOLDREGE - Two Rivers Public Health Department said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts some H1N1 vaccine will be available in October.

Because there will not be sufficient vaccine available for the entire population in October, the initial target populations include those who are at higher risk of disease or complications, those who are likely to come in contact with novel H1N1, and those who could infect infants, who cannot be vaccinated. When vaccine is first available, the CDC recommends that providers vaccinate:

- Pregnant women.

- People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age.

- Health-care and emergency services personnel who have direct contact with patients or infectious material.

- Children between of 6 months and 4 years.

- Children and teenagers 5-18 years old who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.

The CDC recommends that once the demand for vaccine for these groups has been met at the local level, programs and providers should begin vaccinating people ages 5-24 and those ages 25-64 with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for complications from influenza. The next group will be healthy people ages 25-64.

People ages 65 and older are not an initial target group because current studies indicate the risk for infection in this age group is less than the risk for younger age groups. Once vaccine supply and demand for younger age groups is met, programs and providers should offer vaccination to people over the age of 65.

"A seasonal flu vaccine has already been approved, so it is important for everyone to get their regular seasonal flu shot as soon it is available," Two Rivers Director Terry Krohn said. "The novel H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. It is intended to be used in addition to the seasonal flu vaccine to protect people, and it is likely that people will need a total of three shots (one seasonal and two H1N1) this year to get full protection from the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu."

Most people who become ill with H1N1 influenza experience mild symptoms that do not require a visit to the doctor or antivirals. They can be treated at home with rest; plenty of fluids and fever-reducing medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin). Do not use aspirin for children or teenagers. People should stay home from school and work for 24 hours after their fever subsides without the use of fever-reducing medications.

Antiviral medications are only being recommended for those with moderate to severe illness and require a prescription from a health-care provider.

Practice good hygiene

Two Rivers Public Health Department says everyone can benefit by practicing basic prevention habits:

- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.

- Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

- Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow. If you use a tissue, throw it away and wash your hands.

- Stay home from work or school when you are sick. Stay away for 24 hours after your fever goes away.

For additional information on personal preparedness or updates or H1N1 please visit: www.tworiverspublichealth.com or www.flu.gov or www.CDC.gov.

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