Home Search Contact

Pitt County Government

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 vaccine is now available for any one who requests it. 

Please note that children age 9 years of age and younger should get a 2nd dose of the H1N1 vaccine. If your child was vaccinated at least 28 days ago, now is the time to get the 2nd dose. The Health Department is providing these booster doses of H1N1 vaccine as well.

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.

2009 Seasonal Flu Vaccine Community Clinics

The Health Department is also offering seasonal flu vaccine (both shots and FluMist®) Monday – Friday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. while supplies last. 

Seasonal flu vaccine provides protection against seasonal flu only. 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