ACA, Texoma’s Buffalo Bur NEWS AND INFORMATION THAT REALLY STICKS WITH YOU.

H1N1 Preparedness Tips and Facts for Upcoming Camping Season

Influenza is generally not a summer ailment. Last summer's experience was atypical, which reminds us to keep protective behaviors alive and well at camp!  It is critical to know the facts about H1N1 and know the resources to access for up-to-date information.

• The H1N1 immunization is a recommendation, not a requirement. While knowing if campers have received the immunization is helpful, there will be people at, in, and around camp without it — unless the camp makes the immunization a requirement for its campers and staff.
• People with symptoms were presumed to have H1N1 last summer; consequently, we really don't know — specifically — if a given individual did, indeed, have H1N1. As a result, making assumptions based on illness history is not always accurate.
• Winter is typically flu season. Many of us expected a flu peak during the winter months and that has not materialized — yet. Perhaps H1N1 has/is burned out? Perhaps we're yet to see a resurgence? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posts weekly updates about H1N1 at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm.
• People are still dying from influenza/H1N1. Risk remains. All of us should remain cognizant of that and, in particular, remind individuals with risk profiles to talk with their medical doctor about participation in group-based activity like camp.
• The CDC's international situation update (www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/updates/international/) reports that flu rates appear to be low or declining.

Click here for more information, go to the ACA H1N1 information bulletin.