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VACCINE UPDATE (as of Nov. 18, 2009)
This site contains our most current vaccine status information. When updates are available, we'll update this site as well as our flu hotline (952-883-6199). Thank you for your patience during this busy season.
H1N1 (Swine Flu)
The Minnesota Department of Health is starting to release the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine to clinics. This vaccine is designated for pregnant women, persons who live with or provide care to infants less than 6 months, health care workers, children 6 months through 4 years, and children and adolescents 5 through 18 years who have medical conditions that put them at high risk for influenza-related complications. It is anticipated that everyone who wants a shot will eventually be able to receive one.
HealthPartners Clinics patients: If you or your children are eligible for the vaccine we will contact you directly to schedule an appointment.
HealthPartners & H1N1 Testing
HealthPartners, like all Minnesota health care organizations, is following the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommendations for H1N1 virus testing. MDH only recommends performing H1N1 testing for patients hospitalized with flu-like illness. Your health care provider can diagnose H1N1 reliably by assessing your symptoms.
Seasonal Flu Vaccine
HealthPartners Clinics have suspended scheduling appointments for seasonal flu shots, as well as all walk-in flu shot clinics because our main vaccine supplier has made H1N1 vaccine distribution its top priority. We will resume seasonal flu shots when more vaccine is available from our supplier, but this may not be until December. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, seasonal flu is not very common in Minnesota right now. So be assured that waiting to receive a flu vaccination will still provide you protection for the seasonal flu season.
Flu assessment results
Your symptoms indicate you may have the flu. Watch your symptoms closely. They may last up to 10 days. Whether it is the seasonal flu or H1N1, let it run its course and:
- Increase your fluid intake. Drink lots of water and other clear liquids (such as broth, sports drinks and electrolyte beverages for infants).
- Rest. Stay in bed and get as much sleep as you can.
- Take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) to reduce your fever and help with body aches.
- Use warm salt water gargles for a sore throat.
- Stay home. Unless necessary for medical care or other necessities, it is important that you stay home and keep away from others as much as possible, including avoiding travel and work, for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, without the use of medications.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol hand rubs.
- Cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve or a tissue when you sneeze.
If your symptoms continue to get worse, fail to improve or improve but then return, or if you're unsure, please call your doctor or CareLineSM at 612-339-3663 or 800-551-0859 (TTY 952-883-5474). And, you can always send a secure message.
Are you at high risk for complications from the flu?
Flu assessment results
Based on your symptoms, it doesn't sound like you have the seasonal flu or H1N1. Try these home treatments to help you feel better:
- Increase your fluid intake. Drink lots of water and other clear liquids (such as broth, sports drinks and electrolyte beverages for infants).
- Rest. Stay in bed and get as much sleep as you can.
- Take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) to reduce your fever and help with body aches.
- Use warm salt water gargles for a sore throat.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol hand rubs.
- Cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve or a tissue when you sneeze.
If your symptoms continue to get worse, fail to improve or improve but then return, or if you're unsure, please call your doctor or CareLineSM nurse line for after hours medical care at 612-339-3663 or 800-551-0859 (TTY 952-883-5474), or your after hours care provider. And, you can always send a secure message.
Are you at high risk for complications from the flu?
Flu assessment results
You are at higher risk for complications from the flu if you fall into one of these categories:
- 2 years of age or younger
- Pregnancy
- Shortness of breath and other flu symptoms
- Weak immune system due to medication or HIV/AIDS
- Chronic conditions like asthma, blood disorders, diabetes, emphysema, heart disease, liver, disease or neuromuscular disease
If you are at high risk and have symptoms of the flu, please contact your doctor. A prescription for an antiviral medication like Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or Zanamivir (Relenza) may be prescribed. Antivirals can reduce the severity of your symptoms and help you feel better faster. You and your doctor can decide what's best.
If you are at high risk and are experiencing flu-like symptoms please call your doctor or CareLineSM at 612-339-3663 or 800-551-0859 (TTY 952-883-5474). And, you can always send a secure message. For more information, visit these sites:
 Disclaimer: The content on this site is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Difficulty breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, sudden onset of confusion, severe or persistent vomiting may be signs of a serious medical condition which requires immediate treatment. If you think you have a medical emergency call your doctor or 911 immediately.
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