Swine Flu Press Releases

Thursday, January 07, 2010
Contact: Silvia DeAngelis at (252) 475-5036(office) or sdeangelis@darenc.com

Free H1N1 Vaccination Available to All

The Dare County Department of Public Health (DCDPH) reminds everyone that the H1N1 vaccine is now available to anyone who wants to receive the vaccine.

The H1N1 vaccination is single best way to protect yourself and those you love from H1N1 influenza and DCDPH is strongly encouraging everyone to get vaccinated.

DCDPH has scheduled additional vaccination clinics.

H1N1 vaccinations will be offered on a first come, first served basis on:

Friday, January 15 at the Baum Center in Kill Devil Hills from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m. and
Tuesday, January 19 at the Dare County Department of Public Health in Manteo from 2 to 5 p.m.

There is no cost for the H1N1 flu vaccine at this time.

Some area healthcare providers are also providing H1N1 vaccinations in limited quantities. People wishing more information should contact their healthcare providers, call DCDPH at 475-5003, or visit http://www.darenc.com or www.flu.nc.gov.

Residents are reminded that flu shots are available during normal business hours at the Health Department offices in Manteo and Frisco. Call 475-5003 for an appointment.

The Dare County Department of Public Health (DCDPH) reminds residents that the H1N1 vaccine is now available to anyone who wants to receive the vaccine.

The H1N1 vaccination is an effective measure to prevent contracting the flu and DCDPH is strongly encouraging everyone to get vaccinated.

DCDPH has scheduled another vaccination clinic for Hatteras Island.

H1N1 vaccinations will be offered on a first come, first served basis on:

Tuesday, January 5 at the Dare County Department of Public Health in Frisco from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

There is no cost for the H1N1 flu vaccine at this time.

Residents are reminded that flu shots are available during normal business hours at the Health Department offices in Manteo and Frisco. Call 475-5003 for an appointment.

Dare County Department of Public Health
April 29, 2009 Wednesday, April 29 until further notice
Contact: Steve Scharff at (252) 475-5057 (office), 256-0496 (cell) or sscharff@darenc.com

Information Sources Identified

The Dare County Department of Public Health is closely monitoring Swine Flu reports from across the nation. Information packets are being sent home through schools and information is being supplied to media and health care providers so that the Dare County residents will have immediate access to up-to-date, reliable information. Residents having questions or concerns should contact their health care provider or the Dare County Department of Public Health at 475-5003. There have no reports of Swine Flu in Dare County.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Contact: Steve Scharff at (252) 475-5057 (office), 256-0496 (cell) or sscharff@darenc.com

Health Department Monitors Flu Developments

Dare County’s Department of Public Health (DCDPH) is closely monitoring the Swine Flu threat as it relates to the Dare community.

``The role of public health, at this time, is to identify, control, and contain infectious diseases,’’ commented Health Director Anne Thomas. ``We are working with area health care providers to disseminate information and serve as a resource for the medical community and our residents.’’
Daily contact is being maintained with national, state and regional health officials in an attempt to stay one step ahead of what appears to be a growing problem. To date, no cases of confirmed Swine Flu have been reported in North Carolina.

``At this point, we are in a prevention mode and asking people to remember to observe good hygiene practices,’’ added Thomas.

No vaccine is available for Swine Flu; however, ample supplies of antiviral and protective equipment are available for confirmed cases that will lessen the severity of symptoms.

Symptoms are similar to seasonal flu symptoms and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

The Health Department reminds everyone that the most effective way to prevent the spread of Swine Flu is to constantly and thoroughly wash hands. Swine Flu is spread person to person in the same manner as seasonal flu through coughing and sneezing. Sometimes, people may become infected by touching something with flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

According to Thomas, the DCDPH Epidemiological Investigation Team (EPI) is in frequent contact with County Emergency Management officials to discuss plans should the need arise to take further actions for the health and welfare of the Dare community.

For now, Thomas advises people to contact their health care providers or DCDPH for reliable answers to any questions or concerns they may have. DCDPH personnel can be contacted at 252-475-5003.

For general information about Swine Flu, contact www.cdc.gov/flu/swine