2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

The 2010-2011 vaccine protects against three different flu viruses including H1N1 and seasonal flu

There is no separate shot needed to protect against H1N1 flu. Get vaccinated against seasonal flu as soon as vaccine is available in your community to protect yourself and your family throughout the flu season.

Find a Seasonal Flu Vaccine Clinic

During the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic, thanks to the efforts and participation of so many of you, more than 200,000 Vermonters have been vaccinated.

Flu Information Line
Dial 2-1-1 from anywhere within Vermont, or visit the Vermont 2-1-1 Web site.

Situation Update

2009 H1N1 (swine flu) virus

On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization declared the 2009 H1N1 influenza to be a pandemic.

The overwhelming majority of patients experience mild symptoms and make a rapid and full recovery, often without needing hospitalization or medical treatment. However, as with the influenza we see each winter, it could cause life-threatening complications for the very young, the very old, people with serious chronic health conditions, people with compromised immune systems, or women who are pregnant.

Help stay free from illness, and prevent its spread. Vermonters are urged to take simple precautions, practice good health habits every day, and to teach children to do the same.

If you are sick with flu-like symptoms (sore throat, bad cough, body aches or chills, fever of 100ºF or more, extreme fatigue, sometimes vomiting or diarrhea), stay home from work or school for seven days or until at least 24 hours after symptoms have gone away, whichever is longer. Do not go to work, school, or travel while ill.

Call your doctor if you feel ill or have concerns about your health.

If you have questions, please dial 2-1-1. Explore our Web site for more information. You can also follow us on Twitter and our RSS news feed.

Return to Top

Vermont Health Alerts, Advisories and News Releases

Fact Sheets and Information

Commonly referred to as "Swine flu," the 2009 H1N1 flu is a respiratory infection caused by influenza type-A virus that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza in pigs.

2009 H1N1 General Information (CDC)
2009 H1N1 and You (CDC)
Key Facts about Novel H1N1 (CDC)
RSS feed - Automatic updates from the CDC

Camps - Day and Overnight

Recommendations for Summer Camps (pdf)
CDC Guidance for Day and Residential Camps
Recommended Guidelines to Prevent Influenza Transmission at Asthma Camps - American Lung Association (pdf)

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resources

National Center for Deaf Health Research
Information in text and ASL video
DeafMed.org
Flu information and video in ASL

Mental Health

Multiple Language Resources

Fact sheets, information, and reliable web sites in multiple languages for people who do not speak English or who have limited English skills.

Multiple Language Resources

Traveler's Health

Travelers' Health Resources (CDC)
Returning Traveler and 2009 H1N1 Flu (pdf)

Return to Top

Planning Checklists

There are steps individuals, families, and communities can take to prepare for a widespread flu or pandemic. Keep a supply of food and medicines on hand in case you have to stay at home.

These planning checklists will help you, your family, businesses, schools, health care providers, community organizations, state and local governments know what information and resources may be needed in case of a widespread or pandemic flu.

Stock Up. Stay at Home - Keep extra supplies of food, water, medications, cleaning aids and your disaster supply kit on hand for an extended stay.

Stock Up Planner - Detailed planning and supplies list
Home Care Planner - American Red Cross
Shopping Lists
- Stock Up Shopping List - to feed a family of 4 for 2 weeks
- Home Care Shopping List - care giving supplies
- Both lists
Planning for Individuals and Families
Family Emergency Health Information Sheet (pdf) 122KB

Return to Top

What you can do

Get a Seasonal Flu Vaccination

Practice good health habits to slow the spread of illness

Wash your hands often and well.
Use alcohol-based hand wipes and gel sanitizers if soap and water are not available.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away.
Stay home from work or school and away from others if you are sick.
If you are ill or have health concerns, call your health care provider.

What To Do If You Have Flu-Like Symptoms

Stop the Spread of Germs at Home, Work, & School

Podcast - All you have to do is wash your hands
This podcast teaches children how and when to wash their hands properly.