The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is currently available statewide for people at highest risk for complications from the virus, as well as other target populations. These target populations include:
- Children and young adults from six months through 24 years of age
- Caregivers of children under six months
- Frontline health care workers
- Pregnant women
- Non-elderly adults with chronic medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes
The vaccine has proven to be very safe and very effective, and getting the vaccine when it is available to you is the best step you can take to help prevent the spread of H1N1. For more information regarding the H1N1 vaccine, including the H1N1 flu shot locator, visit our vaccine information page.
There are other steps Louisianians can take to protect themselves and help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses such as influenza:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
If you do experience flu-like symptoms, you should contact your doctor to see if you need treatment or further evaluation.
Click here for CDC recommendations on what you should do if you get sick.
If you are caring for a person in your home see additional CDC guidance.
Click here for more info as to how long sick persons should stay away from others.
