H1N1. Every day I hear worrying news about H1N1. The president declared a “national emergency.” Pharmaceutical companies cannot produce enough vaccine. Nightly news shows highlight people on death’s door with influenza. Even my doctor told me that although he will get the vaccine for himself and his kids when it is available, he believes we will have all contracted the virus by then … great.
With this kind of news at the beginning of flu and cold season it’s hard not to freak out.
And then I received a pamphlet from the Oregon Department of Human Services, and the worry decreased to a dull roar.
I give this communication tool an A plus. The tri-fold pamphlet printed in a soothing gray provides not only information on symptoms and states that for most people the best medicine is “rest and nutrition,” but also gives a list of symptoms for adults and children that would require a visit to the office. I really appreciate the latter because in particular, I want to know what is too sick. It also talks about the risks associated with both H1N1 and regular influenza. The writers even repeat some of the more vital information throughout the text.
I posted the symptom checklist on my refrigerator to be posted for the duration of cold and flu season. For more information please check the DHS site http://flu.oregon.gov. or other healthcare sites www.flu.gov and www.who.int.
