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H1N1 Flu Virus Information

2009 H1N1 Flu Virus


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Where can I receieve the H1N1 vaccine? |

State Antiviral Medication Sites

8-17-2009 - Notice to Immunization Providers - H1N1 Vaccine Pre-registration (click here to view).

Notice to Immunization Providers New Item
In an effort to create as many access points to vaccination as possible, state and local public health agencies will need to partner with private sector immunization providers to administer H1N1 vaccine. KDHE is extending the opportunity to receive and administer H1N1 vaccine to all interested immunizing healthcare providers (including hospitals, clinics, pharmacists and community vaccinators) once vaccine supplies are sufficient. Pre-registered facility representatives will receive email updates about the pandemic vaccination program and enrollment as well as information to prepare for storing, handling and administering H1N1 vaccine properly. To register your potential interest in the administration of H1N1 vaccine and receive more information, go to the H1N1 Vaccine Provider Pre-registration.

H1N1 Vaccine Provider Pre-registration

Epidemiology and Surveillance Weekly Status Report

Email
General Inquiries: H1N1FluInfo@kdheks.gov
Lab/Clinicians: epihotline@kdheks.gov


Media Inquiries
Kristi Pankratz, Communications Director
(785) 296-5795 office

What is the state doing in response?
KDHE is working closely with local health departments, Kansas hospitals, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate the sources of exposure and monitor these cases. KDHE’s goals during this public health emergency are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to assist health care providers, public health officials and the public in addressing the challenges posed by this newly identified influenza virus. Individuals who have been in contact with the patients are being interviewed and tested as appropriate.

In accordance with the Kansas Response Plan, KDHE is also monitoring and instituting recommendations from CDC for any additional influenza disease surveillance activities, reviewing plans to further enhance those activities, and advising health care providers regarding testing for persons who have symptoms consistent with H1N1 flu virus, especially if they have recently been to areas that have confirmed cases of H1N1 flu virus, and taking other steps under the plan.
 

What symptoms should I be alert to?
The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in humans are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include:

  • Fever greater than 100 degrees
  • Body aches
  • Coughing
  • Sore throat
  • Respiratory congestion
  • In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting
     

What else can I do?
As with any influenza virus, individuals are encouraged to take the following steps to reduce spread:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to get rid of most germs and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to co-workers and friends.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.
  • Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest and exercise.

Above all, stay informed and stay aware. Check this website often for updates and further information. Questions? Contact Us

General Info on H1N1 Flu Virus


2009 H1N1-Influenza A Virus Transmission by County*
H1N1 Status Legend

KDHE is no longer accepting specimens from everyone who sees a doctor with symptoms.  In non-hospitalized cases, confirmatory testing does not affect treatment and advice given to patients by health care providers.  Unreported cases of H1N1 are occurring across Kansas and throughout the U.S.  Although the presence of H1N1 has been confirmed in certain geographic areas through analysis by the state laboratory, this should not be taken to mean that the virus is not present elsewhere. 

KDHE will continue collecting specimens from hospitalized patients, as well as a limited number of specimens from a network of clinics and hospitals across the state that are submitting weekly information on the number of patients they are seeing with flu-like symptoms. Those sites will also submit a random sample of specimens from patients, for testing that will allow KDHE to monitor the spread of disease in the state.

"H1N1 was declared a pandemic virus by the World Health Organization earlier this year," stated Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, State Health Officer and Director of Health for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. "This means we can expect to find H1N1 in virtually every part of Kansas. Testing everyone with flu-like symptoms for H1N1 is no longer needed. What is needed is for people who are experiencing flu-like symptoms to stay home, rest and drink plenty of fluids so that they can recover without spreading the virus to others."


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