H1N1 Flu Information: The New Britain Health Department has been actively planning in preparation for the release of the H1N1 flu vaccine . Information is constantly being updated in cooperation with the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health.  A limited amount is currently available.  Use the information below to  get a better understanding of the illness, how to prevent it�s spread, and when and how to get medical help if necessary. H1N1 Clinic Information: The New Britain Health Department is offering a public clinic.  Read more. H1N1 Presentation: View the power point presentation on H1N1 below to learn more about the virus.     H1N1 Podcasts: Listen to a podcast about H1N1 Flu Awareness from the CDC  Mensajes importantes sobre la influenza H1N1 (Spanish) Important Messages: Click here  to read a message from Connecticut�s Governor, M. Jodi Rell, concerning the H1N1 flu pandemic and state planning . From the Director of Health: As you are aware, cases of Swine Flu Virus, which usually infects pigs, have been reported in people in Mexico, and in states all over the country. It is believed to have spread to the United States from vacationers returning home. Eating pork does not appear to be a risk factor for acquiring the infection. Because the virus has not circulated before this current outbreak, no one is immune to infection. A vaccine to prevent infection from H1N1 Flu is now being developed. There are medications available to treat the infection, but they are not effective for people with symptoms that have lasted longer than seventy two (72) hours. In this country, the symptoms appear to be the same as those experienced from routine Influenza infection: a. Sore Throat b. Cough c. Fever d. Body Aches Along with these symptoms, vomiting and diarrhea have been reported. People with flu should NOT TAKE ASPIRIN OR IBUPROFEN ( Advil, Motrin, etc.) because of a possible serious side effect. Tylenol should be used to treat the symptoms. To prevent the spread of flu, the following measures should be used: 1. Call Your Doctor. 2. Those without a doctor may call the Community Health Center (224-3642), the Local Health Department (612-2771) or the Hospital of Central Connecticut (224-5011). 3. Keep the ill person HOME, out of school or work, until the symptoms are gone. 4. Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol cleanser after contact with the sick person. Do not touch your face before you wash your hands. 5. Cover the nose and mouth of the ill person with a tissue when they sneeze or cough. Use the crook of the arm if there is no tissue available. 6. Limit visits to your home by outsiders who are well. 7. If you come in contact with someone who has flu-like symptoms, watch for those symptoms in yourself. If they occur, follow the advice in steps one through six above (1-6).  Please feel free to call the Health Department if you have any further questions.     Please refer to the website below for additional information, or contact us directly with the phone number listed above. - State of CT Department of Public Health Website

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