Due to a national shortage of seasonal influenza vaccine, Meriter Medical Clinics and Meriter FastCare locations will not be offering seasonal flu shots at this time.

Meriter Medical Clinics and FastCare will provide 2009 H1N1 and seasonal flu immunizations if and when vaccine is available.

Check back for announcements of future flu vaccine availability.

Seasonal Flu Update
There are still some resources within the community that have vaccine. Check Home Health United or call 608.241.7279 for more information. They have public flu clinics scheduled at various locations throughout October and November. Reimbursements for flu shots received other walk-in clinics are available for P+ members; save your receipt and send a copy to Member Service.

The Meriter immunization supplier indicated the rest of the seasonal flu vaccine supply may be available later this fall, but there is no guarantee.

2009 H1N1 Immunization Update
Meriter is in contact with state officials on a weekly basis to understand when vaccine will be available for general clinic use.

Use the links on the right to access the most recent information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Dane County Public Health.

 Colds

Seasonal Influenza (flu)

 Symptoms

• Runny nose, red eyes, sneezing, sore throat, dry cough, headache, general body aches.
• Onset gradual, typically lasting 1-2 days.
• A cold usually lasts about 1-2 weeks.
• One symptom usually precedes the others, while coughing and sore throats may persist after others have disappeared.

• Fever, lasting 3-4 days about 102-104^o F.
• Headaches and general aches and pains are extremely common and often severe.
• A dry cough, runny nose and sore throat.
• Fatigue and weakness can last up to 2-3 weeks, periodically resulting in extreme exhaustion.

 Home
 Treatment

• Drink plenty of liquids. Hot water, herbal tea or chicken soup will help relieve congestion.
• Use disposable tissues, not handkerchiefs, to reduce the spread of virus to others.
• If you nose is red, put a bit of petroleum jelly on the sore area.
• Use nasal decongestant sprays for only three days or less. Longer use may actually increase irritation.
• Stay at home if at all possible, to avoid exposing coworkers and strangers to your germs.

• Plug in a cool mist vaporizer or take a hot, steamy shower to return moisture to dry nasal passages, throat and lips.
• Use Tylenol or Ibuprofen as directed for fever or pain (never give aspirin to anyone under age 18).
• Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration drives your fever higher.
• Go to bed earlier than usual. This reduces stress and helps fight the infection.
• Stay at home if at all possible, to avoid exposing coworkers and strangers to your germs.

 When to
 Contact
 Your Physician

• If signs of pneumonia, bronchitis or upper respiratory complications develop: increased cough, difficulty breathing, high fever, ear pain, facial pain or chest pain.
• If symptoms persist beyond the typical duration of a cold (i.e. beyond one or two weeks).

• If you are high risk (over the age of 65 or have a history of respiratory problems or chronic diseases, such as heart disease or diabetes).
• If you develop shortness of breath, painful breathing, ear aches, pain around your eyes or cheekbones or bad sore throat.
• You are in severe pain, uncontrolled by over-the-counter pain medications.
• You experience an altered level of consciousness, increased weakness or dehydration.
• If you seem to get better, then get worse again.

Prevention

• Get an Influenza (flu) shot every year, especially if you are over 65 years of age or have chronic health problems such as heart disease, emphysema, asthma, kidney disease or diabetes. The Influenza (flu) vaccine is the best tool for preventing severe illness and death related to influenza among the elderly and chronically ill.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick. Since Influenza (flu) can make some people really sick or kill them, everyone should stay home when they are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then throw away your used tissue.
• Wash your hands often to help protect you from germs.
• If soap and water isn't available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers to clean hands and faces.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth are much as possible.
• Get regular exercise, enough rest and eat healthy, balanced meals.
• Remember: You can give someone Influenza (flu) before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.