Background
H1N1 influenza first appeared in March 2009 with illness in Mexico and California. The virus is currently circulating throughout Oregon.
Symptoms
The flu-like symptoms associated with the H1N1 infection include:
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fever
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cough
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sore throat
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body aches
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headache
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chills
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fatigue
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nausea
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vomiting and/or diarrhea
Public health officials report H1N1 severity is similar to the seasonal flu. Certain
groups, including pregnant women and people with underlying conditions, are at increased
risk to experience complications.
Communicability
Spread of H1N1 influenza occurs in the same way as the seasonal flu. Flu viruses
are spread mainly from person-to-person through coughing and sneezing. Sometimes
people may become infected by touching something (such as a surface or object) with
flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Follow these three steps to protect yourself and help prevent the spread of infection
to others:
- washing hands frequently
- covering one's cough
- staying home from work when sick
Additional Information
For detailed H1N1 flu information, visit (DHS H1N1 Link).
The Oregon Judicial Department's (OJD) Security and Emergency Preparedness Office
(SEPO) prepared a business continuity plan annex to address pandemic flu. The Model
Court Pandemic Flu Template and its attachments provide educational tools, structure,
and guidance in outlining a response to this and other epidemics. All courts and
divisions will have completed pandemic flu plans in advance of flu season.
SEPO has also initiated an education effort to inform all judges and court staff
of the threat posed by an influenza pandemic. All judges and staff have been provided
information to help them prepare themselves and their families for a possible influenza
pandemic. To meet this effort, OJD SEPO has distributed the following:
- hand sanitizer for judges and staff
- antibacterial wipes to judges and staff
-
hygiene pocket card to judges and staff
- posters containing flu information to
all court facilities
For additional material see: