Disclaimer:  The H1N1 pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation.  Related information and guidance has, and is, expected to change frequently.  Therefore, the information provided on Vanderburgh County web pages, and response to H1N1 by the VCHD is subject to frequent change and modification. 
Site last updated March 11, 2010 11:20 AM CT

The United States Department of Health and Human Services has declared a public health emergency in regards to recent cases of novel H1N1 (swine flu) as an important step towards taking measures of prevention and mitigation.  See declaration here.  On June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization raised the level of influenza pandemic alert to phase 6.

The Vanderburgh County Health Department (VCHD) is working with its public health partners in order to monitor and prevent the spread of disease, and to respond to the emergency and present timely information to the public about the H1N1 Influenza (formerly swine flu).

Press Releases and Public Health Advisories issued by the VCHD

• March 11, 2010.  Media Release announcing March H1N1 vaccination clinics
• March 5, 2010.  Media Release announcing 3/6 & 3/13 H1N1 vaccination clinics
• February 23, 2010.  Media Release announcing walk-in H1N1 vaccination clinics
• November 25, 2009.  Media Release on H1N1 cases in Vanderburgh County
• October 1, 2009.  Public Health Alert for Pregnant Women and Their Health Care Providers
• September 21, 2009.  School and Day Care Provider Alert
• August 28, 2009.  Slide presentation made at Town Hall Meetings August 26 & 27

CLICK HERE to view archived health advisories and media releases issued by the VCHD.

Click Here for News from the Joint Information Center

What is the best way to prevent the transmission of the flu?
                 PRACTICE GOOD HEALTH HABITS

1. Wash your hands often.  Click here to view a video.
2. Perform proper cough etiquette
3. Contain your germs and stay home if you are sick.

What are the symptoms of the H1N1 influenza (swine flu)?

The symptoms are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with H1N1 flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

What should you do if you become symptomatic?

1. Continue practicing good hygiene
2. Practice social distancing
3. Do not go to work or school if you are sick
4. Call your primary health care provider
5. For serious symptoms seek immediate attention at an emergency room

Flu Response Guidance

• November 3, 2009.  Dear Colleague letter from the AAFP, ACOG, AMA, and CDC asking health practitioners to urge their pregnant patients to get vaccinated against H1N1 and seasonal flu. 
• April 29, 2009.  Pet-Related Questions About North American Human Influenza
• April 29, 2009.  Flu Recommendations for Churches
• April 28 2009.  Information for Long Term Care Providers
• April 27 2009.  Tips to Ward Off the Flu Virus
• April 26 2009.  Information for Child Care Providers

More Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Influenza A (H1N1)/North America/Human (swine flu)

The best way we can all stay healthy and help prevent the spread of the flu is to be educated and informed.  We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (which will be updated often).   If you have a question that doesn't appear in our FAQs, you may e-mail a Health Department representative, and we will do our best to respond to your question, and post it with the other FAQs.

Important Information and Links from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

• CDC main Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) information page 
• Questions and Answers.  Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You

Important Information and Links from the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH)

• ISDH main North American Human Influenza A (H1N1) Information page
• The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has created a toll-free call center to answer general questions on the H1N1 flu and its vaccine.  Residents may call 877-826-0011 from 7:30 am -3:45 pm (Evansville time), Monday-Friday.

Influenza education:

Vanderburgh County Health Department staff are available to visit schools, businesses, churches, civic groups, etc., to present information on H1N1 and flu prevention. To schedule a presentation, contact Mary Jo Borowiecki, Supervisor of Health Education at:  435-5807 or mborowiecki@vanderburghgov.org

Go to this page for signage, posters, pamphlets, flyers etc.

How should we prepare for a pandemic?

The VCHD has prepared a plan to implement in the event of a pandemic.  Information will be posted as it becomes available.

Pandemic flu planning information is available at PandemicFlu.gov

What should I do if I have more questions?

Please review the information provided.  If you have additional questions you may call the Vanderburgh County Health Department at 435-2400.

E-mail us at H1N1@vanderburghgov.org