Her Voice September/October
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we see every year, but also for the H1N1 flu. Right now it is uncertain when the vaccine for the H1N1 virus will be made available, but Johnson said they are projecting mid to late October. Once the vaccine is made available, word will go out about who should be receiving the shot first. As of the end of August, the Department of Health had this plan laid out: Those who are encouraged to get the first shots are: Women who are pregnant Those who care for infants under 6 months old Children 6 months to 4 years old High risk children 5-18 years old Healthcare providers and EMS workers Those who can receive the shot next will be: Children 5-18 years old High risk adults 25-64 years old Youth 19-24 years old The rest of the population will be able to receive the shots after that. Those classified as high risk are people with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems. It is believed that two shots will be required, four weeks apart, because no one has immunity to this virus. The CDC reports, current studies indicate the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. Therefore, as vaccine supply and demand for vaccine among younger age groups is being met, programs and providers should offer vaccination to people over the age of 65. According to South Dakota health officials, it s not too late to make basic preparations for the flu this season. For more information on the H1N1 virus, you can check out: South Dakota Department of Health website, www.doh.sd.gov Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov You also get advice on preparedness from www.bReadySD.com. Keep a stock of essential supplies at home, such as food, water, medicine and a thermometer. Keep a supply of personal items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper, cleaning supplies and activities for the kids to make extended time at home more comfortable. Make sure you have a plan to check in with elderly parents and friends, that children know who to contact in an emergency; and that you know your family s medical histories, social security numbers, and other basic information. Right now, Johnson said, it is not seasonal flu season so the majority of the flu cases physicians are seeing are H1N1 cases. She said clinics and hospitals can test and tell you if you have influenza A, but wouldn t be able to confirm H1N1. Currently, the only tests being sent to the state lab for confirmation are those of high risk patients and those who are already in the hospital. So if you do go to the doctor and find out you have the flu, it is best to follow doctor s orders drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest and so forth. If you have any concerns or questions about the H1N1 vaccine, you can always talk to your healthcare provider. They can best tell you when you should get it and give you more advice on staying healthy during the upcoming flu season. by Heidi Henson Standing By Your Side... Dr. Lisa Miller, General Surgeon, will be by your side when you face a medical surgery. With special interests in breast surgery, upper & lower endoscopy, and laparoscopic surgery, Dr. Miller also performs many in office procedures such as skin lesion removal and mole removal. When looking for a general surgeon who is compassionate and understanding of your fears and frustrations, trust Dr. Miller. To arrange your consultation today, call 668-9670. Lisa A Miller, MD 409 Summit, Suite 3400, Yankton 605-668-9670 HERVOICE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 19
- Yankton Surgical Associates, PC
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we see every year, but also for the H1N1 flu. Right now it is uncertain when the vaccine for the H1N1 virus will be made available, but Johnson said they are projecting mid to late October. Once the vaccine is made available, word will go out about who should be receiving the shot first. As of the end of August, the Department of Health had this plan laid out: Those who are encouraged to get the first shots are: Women who are pregnant Those who care for infants under 6 months old Children 6 months to 4 years old High risk children 5-18 years old Healthcare providers and EMS workers Those who can receive the shot next will be: Children 5-18 years old High risk adults 25-64 years old Youth 19-24 years old The rest of the population will be able to receive the shots after that. Those classified as high risk are people with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems. It is believed that two shots will be required, four weeks apart, because no one has immunity to this virus. The CDC reports, current studies indicate the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. Therefore, as vaccine supply and demand for vaccine among younger age groups is being met, programs and providers should offer vaccination to people over the age of 65. According to South Dakota health officials, it s not too late to make basic preparations for the flu this season. For more information on the H1N1 virus, you can check out: South Dakota Department of Health website, www.doh.sd.gov Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov You also get advice on preparedness from www.bReadySD.com. Keep a stock of essential supplies at home, such as food, water, medicine and a thermometer. Keep a supply of personal items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper, cleaning supplies and activities for the kids to make extended time at home more comfortable. Make sure you have a plan to check in with elderly parents and friends, that children know who to contact in an emergency; and that you know your family s medical histories, social security numbers, and other basic information. Right now, Johnson said, it is not seasonal flu season so the majority of the flu cases physicians are seeing are H1N1 cases. She said clinics and hospitals can test and tell you if you have influenza A, but wouldn t be able to confirm H1N1. Currently, the only tests being sent to the state lab for confirmation are those of high risk patients and those who are already in the hospital. So if you do go to the doctor and find out you have the flu, it is best to follow doctor s orders drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest and so forth. If you have any concerns or questions about the H1N1 vaccine, you can always talk to your healthcare provider. They can best tell you when you should get it and give you more advice on staying healthy during the upcoming flu season. by Heidi Henson Standing By Your Side... Dr. Lisa Miller, General Surgeon, will be by your side when you face a medical surgery. With special interests in breast surgery, upper & lower endoscopy, and laparoscopic surgery, Dr. Miller also performs many in office procedures such as skin lesion removal and mole removal. When looking for a general surgeon who is compassionate and understanding of your fears and frustrations, trust Dr. Miller. To arrange your consultation today, call 668-9670. Lisa A Miller, MD 409 Summit, Suite 3400, Yankton 605-668-9670 HERVOICE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 19























