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2010-2011 Public Health Division Annual Report Now Available  (1/12/2012)
The 2010-2011 Public Health Division Annual Report is now available online. More

Northern New England Poison Center webinar on bath salts available for viewing  (9/2/2011)
The Northern New England Poison Center is offering recorded webinar presentations regarding the new synthetic drugs known as "bath salts." More

h1n1 influenza

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H1N1 Influenza

Currently, the H1N1 flu virus is widespread in the state of Maine.  Below you will find more information about the virus, how to prevent it and who might be most affected by it.


What are the symptoms and how might I be affected?

The symptoms of H1N1 are very much the same as other flu viruses.  These consist of fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue.  Some people may also have vomiting or diarrhea. 

H1N1 symptoms range from mild to severe, with the risk for severe symptoms focused around specific groups of people.  These groups include pregnant women, people ranging in age from 0 to 24 years, and people with underlying health conditions.  For more information about these groups, click here.


What are the best ways to keep from getting H1N1?

There are several ways you can decrease your chances of getting H1N1 flu.  The most effective way is prevention; covering your cough, sneezing into your arm, washing your hands often with soap and water (or using an alcohol based hand sanitizer when washing your hands with soap and water is not possible), avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and avoiding sick people when possible, are all easy ways to stay healthy and prevent flu.   

Vaccination is another effective way of preventing H1N1.  The H1N1 vaccination is currently available to anyone who would like it.  The vaccination is especially recommended for people between the ages of 6 months to 18 years, pregnant women, and caregivers of infants less then 6 months old. 


When/where can I get the vaccination?

There are vaccination clinics being held regularly across the Greater Portland area and across the state at this time.  Please call 2-1-1, visit our website often, or visit any of the links below to find the nearest clinic to where you are.

-2-1-1 Maine
  Call 2-1-1 on any phone for free, or visit 211maine.org

-City of Portland Flu Hotline
  207-874-8946

-City of Portland Schools Flu Update Blog
  http://blogs.portlandschools.org/fluinformation/

-Listing of Statewide Seasonal Flu and H1N1 Flu Clinics
   http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/maineflu/fluclinics/index.shtml

or, try:

-Important Maine CDC Contact Information
  General Public Call-in Number - 1-888-257-0990
  NextTalk (deaf/hard of hearing) - 207-629-5751
  Hours of Operation - Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm

Or you can email Maine CDC with your flu related questions at flu.questions@maine.gov