Introduction

Welcome to flu.pittcountync.gov, your central location for seasonal and 2009 H1N1 information as it pertains to Pitt County. Having a central site makes it easier for you to remember one web address as opposed to dozens.

The Pitt County Health Department and Pitt County Emergency Management continue to work closely with private health care providers, Pitt County Memorial Hospital, East Carolina University, Pitt County Schools, the North Carolina Division of Public Health, the business community, and others to manage the threat of 2009 H1N1 cases in our community. Thus far, most of the people who have developed this infection have experienced a mild case of the flu. However for those persons who are at highest risk for complications from the flu, this virus can result in more serious illness, including hospitalization and even death.

2009 h1N1 Vaccine Community Clinics

The Health Department is offering the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccination Monday – Friday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. while supplies last.

The 2009 H1N1 flu shots are available for the following groups of people:

• Pregnant women
• Children ages 6 months through 23 months
• Anyone age 2 years or older with a chronic health condition or compromised immune system.

Note: the Health Department has expanded this criteria to include persons 65 and older with chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems.

The Health Department has a large supply of the 2009 H1N1 FluMist® and will offer this vaccine to any healthy person age 2 years through 49 years.

While the criteria for who can get the vaccine has been expanded, please be reminded that the following people are strongly encouraged to get the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccination:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months
• People between 6 months and 24 years of age
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• People ages 25 years through 64 years with chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems

There is no charge for the H1N1 vaccine and no appointment is needed. The Health Department is located at 201 Government Circle in Greenville, just off of Old Creek Road.

After-school Clinics

The Health Department is also offering the 2009 H1N1 FluMist® at several schools. These clinics will offer FluMist only. The clinics will be held after-school hours and are available for healthy persons ages 2 years to 49 years.


Clinic dates/times/locations*

• November 16: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.: G.R. Whitfield School (Media Center)
• November 16: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Chicod School (Cafeteria)
• November 17: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.: Wintergreen Intermediate (Multi-purpose Room)
• November 18: 2:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.: H.B. Sugg/Sam Bundy Elementary (Cafeteria)
• November 19: 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.: Pactolus School (Gymnasium)
• November 19: 2:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.: Bethel School (Nurse’s Office)
• November 23: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.: Belvoir Elementary (Gymnasium)
• November 23: 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.: Stokes School (Cafeteria)
• November 24: 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.: Grifton School (Cafeteria)
• November 24: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Ayden Elementary (Cafeteria)

*Clinic schedules subject to change due to availability of vaccine.

Parents/guardians must be present for children to be vaccinated. No appointment is needed. There is no charge for the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine.

2009 Seasonal Flu Vaccine Community Clinics

Please refer to this site for updated information concerning the Health Department's seasonal flu clinics.

The Health Department is also offering seasonal flu vaccine Monday – Friday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.  This vaccine provides protection against seasonal flu only.  Children ages 6 months through 18 years are eligible for free seasonal flu vaccine.  For adults the cost of the seasonal flu shot is $20.00 and the seasonal FluMist is $30.00.  Medicare Part B will be accepted as payment.  No appointment is needed.

Local seasonal flu clinics are available now. Visit http://www2.thecarolinascenter.org/fcf/FluClinicFinder.aspx for locations.

Key Flu Facts

• Influenza spreads mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• The most common strain of flu circulating in our community right now is the 2009 H1N1 flu.
• Healthy people with mild flu symptoms can manage their flu-like symptoms at home.
• People will need two different vaccines to protect against seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu.  Seasonal flu vaccine is available now.

Flu Symptoms

• Fever (usually greater than 100)
• Coughing and/or sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headaches and/or body aches
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Vomiting and Diarrhea (for some people)

Who Should See a Doctor

• Most healthy people can manage their flu symptoms at home without a doctor visit or prescription medicine.
• The following people need to contact their doctor if they develop flu-like symptoms because they may be at higher risk for complications from the flu:
  • Pregnant women
  • Young children
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • People with chronic health conditions including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, diseases of the kidney, liver, or blood, diseases of the brain or nervous system, people with difficulty swallowing
  • Elderly people
  • People who develop more severe symptoms

Home Care for the Flu

• People with mild flu symptoms should stay home until they have been without a fever for at least 24 hours.
• Over-the-counter medicine may help reduce fever and body aches.
• Get plenty of rest and drink clear fluids such as water, broth, or sports drinks to keep from becoming dehydrated.
• Contact your doctor if symptoms get worse.
• Limit your contact with others and follow recommendations for handwashing, coughing, and sneezing to keep from spreading the virus.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Care

You should seek medical care when you:

• Have difficulty breathing or chest pain.
• Have purple or blue discoloration of your lips.
• Are vomiting and unable to keep fluids down.
• Show signs of dehydration, such as feeling dizzy when standing or unable to urinate.
• Have seizures.
• Are less responsive than normal or become confused.

Prevent the Spread of the Flu

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in the trash.
• If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Get both the seasonal flu vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine when they become available.

Protect Others from the Flu

• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
• Stay informed. For updated information, visit www.flu.gov, www.cdc.gov/h1n1 or www.flu.nc.gov or call NC CARE-LINE at 1-800-662-7030 (TTY 1-877-452-2514).

2009 H1N1 Educational Materials

H1N1 Flu: What do I need to know and do? – printable flyer (English / Spanish)

H1N1: A Guide for Pregnant Women and Parents – printable flyer (English / Spanish)

For local requests for printed educational materials and programs, contact the Pitt County Health Department at (252) 902-2422.

Watch the Flu Mist video produced by the Office of Public Information.

Watch the Flu Summit 2009 on PittTv online.

Think the seasonal flu shot can give you the flu? Have this myth dispelled and see other flu facts and myths at http://www.immunizenc.com/FluFactsMyths.htm.

links to Other Important Information

Businesses

Updated Guidance for Businesses and Employers for the Fall Flu Season can be found at  http://www.flu.gov/professional/business/index.html.

Greenville Utilities: http://www.guc.com/h1n1.aspx

Pitt County Industrial Development Commission: http://www.locateincarolina.com/flu.aspx

Childcare, Schools, Colleges and Universities

Updated Guidance for Schools for the Fall Flu Season (includes guidance for childcare facilities, schools, and colleges/universities) can be found at http://www.flu.gov/professional/school/index.html.

Pitt County Schools: http://www.pitt.k12.nc.us/198710812153550263/site/default.asp?1987Nav=|&NodeID=133

East Carolina University: http://ao.ecu.edu/h1n1info/

Community and Faith Based Organizations

H1N1 Flu:  A Guide For Community and Faith-Based Organizations can be found at http://www.flu.gov/professional/community/index.html.

Healthcare

Pitt County Memorial Hospital: http://www.uhseast.com/flu/

ECU Physicians: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/ecuphysicians/h1n1.cfm 

Individuals and Families

Information for individuals and families can be found at http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/index.html

	Notice Of Privacy Practices
	Learn more about this web site.
	Send mail and comments to the Office of Public Information or the MIS department.
	Copyright © 2003