The City of Spring Hill, in collaboration with the Spring Hill Police Department and the Johnson County Fire District No. 2, are taking actions to educate and prepare their employees and the Spring Hill community as a whole about the symptoms, risks and ways the H1N1 virus is contracted and spread.
Fire Chief Jeff Johnson said, “The Fire District is in constant communications with Federal, State and Local agencies to monitor the on-going status of the flu. We also have a Medical Director who is also constantly monitoring the situation and will give us proper direction on developing events and if the need arises to activate an emergency operations plan.”
City Administrator Jonathan Roberts adds, “The City of Spring Hill is committed to sharing information with our residents as it becomes available. The City is offering informative brochures that will educate residents on flu prevention.”
The Center for Disease Control reports that vaccination is the best protection against contracting the flu. There are vaccinations for both the seasonal flu and H1N1; the CDC recommends both vaccinations. If you do contract the flu, talk with your doctor about anti-virals.
In addition to receiving vaccines, other preventative measures are critical. The following CDC guidelines will minimize risk and exposure:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and immediately throw the tissue away.
• Wash hands with soap and water frequently or use alchohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you are sick and remain home for 24 hours after no longer having a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• If you must have close contact with a sick person, wear a facemask.
Symptoms of the seasonal flu include:
• Fever
• Coughing and/or sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headaches and/or body aches
• Chills
• Fatigue
The symptoms of the H1N1 Flu are similar to the seasonal flu but they may be more severe. In addition to the seasonal flu symptoms, H1N1 symptoms may include vomiting and diarrhea.
The City and its community partners are committed to ensuring Spring Hill residents have all of the information available so they may be prepared for any health risks that may evolve. The City will make available current information through its Web site, www.springhillks.com, and at City Hall, 401 N. Madison, Spring Hill, KS 66083. Flyers on the Flu and H1N1 are also available at City Hall.
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