Public Health
Park County Health Officer Press Release
released on 12-14-2009
Update on H1N1 (Swine Flu)
The number of cases of H1N1 (swine flu) has decreased steadily in Park County since mid-October. This is directly attributed to the nature of a viral epidemic, but also to the number of vaccinated residents in our County. This doesn't mean that we are done with this particular strain of influenza. Wyoming is continuing to see H1N1 and we will start to see seasonal flu as well. The Public Health department is still urging everyone to get educated about H1N1 and get vaccinated. There is plenty of vaccine available at this time and any resident no matter what priority group or what age may get the vaccine. It is available by calling Public Health at 527-8570 or 754-8870 for an appointment or contact Walgreen's, Medical Center Pharmacy or Albertson's. To be clear, any person from ages 6 months and up (including persons over 65 years) may get the H1N1 vaccine. Public Health is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated, as we will see a recurrence of H1N1 before the winter season is over.
Our Public Health offices have heard about some unsettling news about scams and fraudulent treatments for H1N1. Please, be aware that there is no need to register on line for the vaccine. There has been some phishing email scams reported. Also, there have been many products that have stated they can diagnose, prevent or treat H1N1 and there is a list on flu.gov showing these fraudulent products. Just log on to flu.gov and click on the “Myths vs Facts” and read the list of fraudulent products. Your only way to prevent getting influenza is avoiding exposure, hand washing and vaccination. Your only treatment is prescription antivirals if indicated. Please consult your physician if you have any questions.
Only use FDA-approved or authorized medical products for the prevention, treatment, or diagnosis of the H1N1 flu virus.
Consult your healthcare professional if you have ANY questions about whether a product is an effective treatment of H1N1 before you purchase or take it.
Check FDA's list of fraudulent H1N1 flu products at www.fda.gov/h1n1fraud.
Keep yourself informed at the following websites:
http://wdh.state.wy.us
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
http://www.parkcounty.us/publichealth/publichealth.html
http://www.flu.gov
C E Jamieson, MD, FAAP
Park County Health Officer