DPH leads H1N1 preparations

As fall approaches and schools reopen next month, public health officials in Massachusetts and around the country are preparing for a resurgence of the H1N1 flu (dubbed the “swine flu”).

Responding to this outbreak will be challenging because it will come at a time when we generally begin to see the annual outbreak of seasonal flus. For the first time in memory, people will be at risk for two different strains of flu in the same season. This could lead to more serious complications from the flu, more absenteeism from school and work, and a strain on health care and local public health systems.

For most people, H1N1 causes typical flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, coughing and respiratory problems, and a lack of energy. It rarely becomes a severe illness requiring hospitalization, but H1N1 has resulted in 11 deaths in Massachusetts. Pregnant women and adults and children with certain chronic conditions, like asthma and diabetes, are at greater risk of complications, so efforts are being targeted to protect these populations.

A new vaccine will soon be available to prevent H1N1. At first, it will be available free of charge to those at risk; once quantities are large enough, it will be made available to the general public. Vaccines aside, residents may prevent the spread of the flu by washing their hands frequently, using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and covering their mouth with their inner elbow (as opposed to their hands) when sneezing or coughing.

The Department of Public Health has convened an advisory committee of external partners, including the MMA, to assist with H1N1 planning and response. The department is working closely with public safety and education officials and coordinating with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control to develop specific guidance to help local communities to prevent and respond to H1N1 outbreaks this fall.

Local boards of health and health department staff will have critical roles in working with school superintendents, school nurses, police and fire departments, health care providers, and many others to help address challenges involved in decisions about school closings and isolating sick individuals in school, work, and community settings.

The Department of Public Health will continue to provide timely information for the public and municipal officials through its Web site, publications, media relations, and other communication channels. This information is available in multiple languages.

For more information on the flu visit www.mass.gov/dph/swineflu.

John Auerbach is the Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner.