Welcome to the Health Services Department

To protect yourself, the CDC is urging the public to take these steps to prevent contracting the West Nile Virus:

• Use insect repellents when you go outdoors.
• Wear long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk.
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors. Use air conditioning, if you have it.
• Empty standing water from items outside your home, such as flowerpots, buckets and kiddie pools.

To find out more, visit the CDC’s West Nile Virus homepage at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm or go to the Texas Department of State Health Services at www.dshs.state.tx.us.

Flu Symptoms
Symptoms of flu include:

Fever, Fatigue, Lack of appetite, Coughing, Runny nose, Sore throat, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea

What To Do If You Get Sick
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing, Bluish skin color, Not drinking enough fluids, Not waking up or not interacting, Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held, Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough, Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, Sudden dizziness
Confusion, Severe or persistent vomiting

Steps You Can Take To Stay Healthy
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze
Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them

Links And Other Resources
The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has a toll-free information line to answer any questions you may have about the H1N1 (swine) flu. The number is 1-888-777-5320

Links:

Federal Flu Information Web Site

World Health Organization Human Swine Influenza Site

World Health Organization Human Swine Influenza Site

CDC Human Swine Flu Investigation Site

Guide to HealthCare Schools

For information regarding vaccination requirements see link below.
Local clinics are listed for your convenience.

Texas Department of State Health Services: www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/default.shtm