The Mississippi State Department of Health continues to monitor and investigate human cases of a new type of
influenza, H1N1 swine influenza (also known as "novel H1N1 influenza") now present in Mississippi.
Symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to those of seasonal flu,
causing fever, respiratory symptoms and body aches. H1N1 swine flu has contributed to a number of deaths in Mississippi, principally in those with pre-existing health conditions.
Swine flu cases have been confirmed in all parts of the state, and Mississippians are advised to continue to exercise protective hygiene to avoid illness.
MSDH is now offering free swine flu vaccinations to all Mississippians ages six months and older. Swine flu vaccination is especially recommended for (but not limited to) the following groups:
- Pregnant women
- Anyone who lives with or cares for children younger than six months old
- Children and adults six months through 24 years old
- Adults 65 and older
- Anyone with medical conditions that increase their risk of complications from influenza
Nasal mist vaccine: In addition, county health departments statewide are offering free swine flu nasal mist vaccine to all Mississippians ages 2 to 49 who have no chronic underlying health conditions.
Swine flu vaccinations for students at Mississippi schools are now taking place on a school-by-school basis. More information is available from the Mississippi Office of Healthy Schools.
Where you can get swine flu vaccinations
- County health departments: swine flu vaccinations are free at any of our county health departments. You may wish to contact a county health department near you for hours of operation.
Locate a health department clinic by choosing a county from the list at right.
- Your physician: You can check with your physician or health care provider for vaccine availability.
- Local pharmacies: Many pharmacies and other local providers have received swine flu vaccine and are offering vaccinations to the public. For the latest locations, see our local swine flu vaccination providers list »
- Schools: MSDH is working with the state Department of Education to plan for vaccinations for students. Schools around the state will be contacting students and parents about receiving swine flu vaccinations. Visit the Mississippi Office of Healthy Schools »
As supplies of vaccine increase, MSDH plans to offer vaccinations at more schools around the state, then to the general public through retail outlets such as pharmacy chains, and grocery and discount stores.
Types of vaccine
Vaccine against 2009 H1N1 swine flu will be available in two forms: nasal spray and conventional injection (shot).
- Nasal spray vaccine is made from live, but weakened, swine flu virus. It is easy for a health professional to administer, and is only recommended for ages two through 49 years old who have no chronic underlying health conditions.
- Injectable swine flu vaccine is made from killed flu virus and is considered safe for everyone six months and older that is able to take a seasonal flu vaccine without side-effects.
W.H.O. Pandemic Declaration
The World Health Organization has raised the status of H1N1 swine flu from an epidemic to a pandemic. This declaration signals that swine flu is now generally present worldwide. It does not indicate that swine flu has increased in severity or infectiousness.
For Mississippians, this declaration means that protective steps against swine flu (see below) should continue as usual.
Those at risk: Swine flu can affect anyone, but some groups are at higher risk of complications. If you fall into one of these groups, be especially aware of protective hygiene, and contact your doctor if you think you have flu symptoms:
- Pregnant women
- Children younger than five years old
- Adults 65 and older
- Anyone with chronic heart or lung problems (including asthma)
Medication supply: Two popular prescription antiviral medications are effective in reducing the severity of swine flu. There is an ample supply of medication in the state, and additional doses from the national stockpile have been distributed to health care providers by MSDH.
Mississippi cases: Swine flu has now been identified across Mississippi. Because it resembles regular seasonal flu in symptoms and viral characteristics, laboratory testing is required to distinguish this new strain of flu from seasonal flu varieties. While physicians can diagnose probable cases of swine flu, MSDH reports only laboratory-confirmed cases.
If You Are Sick
- If you have symptoms of influenza (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue), contact your doctor. Your medical provider can best advise you on actions to take, and whether an office visit is needed. All forms of influenza are contagious, so if you are sick, stay home to protect others from illness.
- To date, symptoms of swine flu in the U.S. have been mild. However, the chronically ill, the very young, pregnant women and seniors can be at greater risk for serious illness. Swine flu responds well to antiviral medication, which can reduce the severity and duration of the flu when taken at the onset of symptoms.
- Do not use aspirin for fever with children or teenagers 18 years of age or younger. Aspirin with viral infections can cause Reye's syndrome, a life-threatening illness.
Products which contain aspirin include Alka-Seltzer, Anacin, Ascriptin, BC Powder, Bufferin, Excedrin, Kaopectate, Maalox Total Stomach Relief, Pamprin, Pepto-Bismol, Vanquish and YSP. Check labels carefully, and do not use these products or others that contain aspirin.
For fever in those 18 and under, use a non-aspirin product such as Tylenol (acetaminophen).
Protecting Yourself
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the spread of germs.
- Avoid close contact with those who are ill
- To protect others, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Protecting Others
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Community Strategies
Community strategies that delay or reduce the impact of a pandemic may help reduce the spread of disease until a vaccine is available.
CDC School Dismissal Monitoring System
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has established a national online reporting system for school administrators to use in case of school closure. The system sends school dismissal reports to both the CDC and MSDH.
Principals or superintendents should submit a reporting form for each school that is planning to close or suspend classes.
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