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H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Information


Flu season is starting. Get ready now!

Nashua’s Division of Public Health & Community Services is working closely with the State of NH Department of Health and Human Services, Nashua Fire, Police, Emergency Management and the Nashua School District to coordinate efforts and to provide timely information and education to the public about the flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is asking that we prepare for the upcoming flu season (fall and winter) by working together to monitor and prevent the spread of the flu. More than one kind of flu virus will be spreading this season, including seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu.

Both the seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 flu spread through the coughing and sneezing of someone that is sick with the flu.

How is the 2009 H1N1 flu different from the regular seasonal flu? Seasonal flu viruses change from year to year, but they are closely related to each other. People who have had flu in the past usually have some immunity to seasonal flu viruses (their bodies have built up some ability to fight off the viruses). The 2009 H1N1 flu is a new flu virus and most people have little or no immunity to it (their bodies are not prepared to fight off the virus).

Here are some recommendations to prevent the flu:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Do not to share personal items like drinks, food or unwashed utensils.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with tissues or your elbow, arm or sleeve instead of your hand when a tissue is unavailable.
  • Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. Symptoms of the flu include fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit, 37.8 degrees Celsius or greater), cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and feeling very tired.
  • Stay at home if you are sick for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or do not have signs of fever, without using fever-reducing drugs.
  • Get the vaccine for seasonal flu. Check with your healthcare provider about getting the seasonal flu vaccine. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call the Division of Public Health & Community Services at 603-589-4500.
  • Get the H1N1 flu vaccine when it becomes available, if you are at higher risk for flu complications. People at higher risk for flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes). For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm.
Here are a few ways to prepare for the flu season:
  • Make plans to care for sick household members or for children if schools dismiss students or child care programs close.
  • Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home. Have the following items on hand: a supply of fever-reducing medicines that contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen, alcohol-based hand cleaners, tissues, and other items that may be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick.
  • Learn about the flu and what you can do.
When can I get the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine?

According to the State of New Hampshire Vaccine Distribution Plan, the following groups are currently eligible to receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine through their healthcare providers:
  • Pregnant Women
  • Children 6 months to 5 years of age with chronic medical conditions
  • Health Care Workers and First Responders with direct patient contact
Additional population groups will be added to this list as more vaccine comes into the state. You can also reference the availability of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine on the State of NH Department of Health and Human Services website by clicking here.

Check with your healthcare providers on their availability of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. If you do not have a healthcare provider, continue to monitor this website or call 603-589-4565 for information on the availability of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine supply for the Division of Public Health & Community Services.

Update (11/2/2009): At this time, the Division of Public Health & Community Services has a limited supply of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. The H1N1 vaccine will be distributed by appointment only and will only be given to:
  • Pregnant Women
  • Children 6 months to 18 years of age who also have a chronic medical condition
To schedule an appointment please call 603-589-4500.

Vaccine Safety

For more information on vaccine safety, click here.

For more information about preparing for the flu, go to www.flu.gov or call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).

Visit the NH Department of Health and Human Services website at www.dhhs.state.nh.us. While you're visiting the NH Department of Health and Human Services' website, ckeck out its H1N1 Frequently Asked Questions page.

Call the City of Nashua Division of Public Health & Community Services at 603-589-4500.


Additional Information

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