Residents that have yet to be vaccinated can call 52 74 42 15, between hrs. 8.00 and 15.15 on mondays and thursdays. All further vaccination of Haugesund residents is by appointment only.
The vaccine against influenza A (H1N1) is called Pandemrix. People with immune deficiency are offered two doses, injected at least three weeks apart. All other inhabitants are recommended one dose.
For those belonging to the risk groups who would like a vaccination against the seasonal influenza as well as influenza A (H1N1), this will be offered on the day of vaccination. One vaccination will be set in each arm. If they are not injected at the same time, one week should pass between the two vaccinations.
- About self-certified absences
- Schools and kindergartens
- Advice to reduce the risk of infection
- Protect others against contamination
About self-certified absences
The Ministry of labour has released a recommendation to all employers, stating that employees are allowed to hand in a self-certified absence from 3 to 8 days, whenever oneself or dependent children are sick with the influenza A. The change does not include a change in the employees right to use self-certified absences 4 times per year.
The government mandates that the individual employers must inform their employees of the right to use expanded self-certified absences, and that employees should contact their employer when in doubt.
Schools and kindergartens
The contagion protection physician in Haugesund has had an information meeting for leaders in schools and kindergartens in Haugesund. Information booklets have also been sent out to schools and kindergartens concerning the procedure people should do to prevent the spread of Influenza A (H1N1).
If children are ill and there is a suspicion of Influenza A, they should be kept at home for 7 days.
If many children are away from school or kindergarten with the same influenza symptoms, it is recommended to test for Influenza A (H1N1). Family doctors (general practitioners) conduct these tests.
The contagion protection physician will consider a different approach in the case of a larger outbreak of Influenza A(H1N1) in kindergartens and at schools. See contact information in the sidebar to the right.
Advice to reduce the risk of infection
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. The use of hand sanitizer for hand hygiene is a good alternative to washing.
- When coughing and sneezing, use tissues that should be thrown away after use. Wash your hands afterwards.
Protect others around you against contamination if you yourself have become sick
These measures can be taken to limit the spread of the virus:
-Stay home from work until you feel well enough to work, at the earliest 24 hours after the symptoms disappeared. (If you are a healt professional,- stay home at least 7 days after the symptoms started.)
- Keep sick children at home from school and kindergarten for at least 24 hours after the symptoms disappeared.
- Use disposable paper tissues to cover your mouth whenever you caught or sneeze to protect others around you. Throw the tissues away afterwards.
- Caugh or sneeze into you crook of your elbow, if you do not have any paper tissues available.
- Wash your hands well and often, especially when you have been outside and before you eat.
- Hand sanitizer containing alcohol is a good alternative when you are not able to wash your hands.
Only rarely does influenza require hospital admittance. For many the sickness gives mild symptoms and no stronger pains than the regular seasonal influenza.
Sources:
- The Norwegian Institute of Public Health
- www.pandemi.no
- Contagion protection physician in Haugesund kommune