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DHS has compiled helpful tips and links on this page for your convenience in finding state and national information regarding H1N1 flu.  The sections below also include information about managing stress during health emergencies, preventing the spread of the flu virus, and dealing with special needs populations.

DHS continues to partner with the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) - NJ's lead agency regarding this pandemic - to create this simple flu poster with tips for preventing the spread of the H1N1 flu virus.  Click here to download the 11" x 17" pdf file so that you can print and post it in your school, business, workplace, or residential setting.  Haga clic aquí para ver el cartel de la gripe H1N1.



DHS also advises DHSS regarding planning for special needs populations and for the mental health aspect of this or any pandemic event.

• For Special Needs Populations...
  
• Coping with Stress Related to H1N1 and Health Emergencies...
  
• NJ DHSS Offers Online Education Webinar for Pandemic Influenza
  
• New Jersey Resources...
  
• National Resources...
  
• Preventing the spread of H1N1 flu...
  

• For Special Needs Populations...
  The CDC has created a comprensive page with 2009 H1N1 Flu Information for People with Disabilities and Their Caregivers and Personal Assistants. 
  
  The CDC also has an entire web section for People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications, including a special page with Resources for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People.
  
  Also, having a disability alone may not make someone at higher risk for complications from the H1N1 virus, but other factors may put people with certain disabilities at higher risk.
  
  People who have difficulty breathing (ventilator users and individuals with asthma and other respiratory conditions); individuals who have difficulty fighting infections or who are immunocompromised; and people of any age who have chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or sickle cell anemia, are at higher risk of acquiring the H1N1 infection.
  
  Visit the Flu Shot Locator to find places near you to get a flu shot.
  
  Click here for information updates to New Jersey’s developmental disabilities community from our DHS' Division of Developmental Disabilities.
  
  
  
• Coping with Stress Related to H1N1 and Health Emergencies...
  DHS' Division of Mental Health Services calls upon its Disaster and Terrorism Branch (DTB) during times of emergencies to provide mental health counseling and advice for coping with disasters and health emergencies such as the H1N1 flu virus.  DTB has created a resource page "Coping with Stress Related to H1N1 and Health Emergencies" with helpful information and will update it as needed.
  
  
  
• NJ DHSS Offers Online Education Webinar for Pandemic Influenza
  RELEASE: October 16, 2009

  Designed to Help All New Jerseyans Prepare, Especially Employers and Employees

  TRENTON - Beginning today, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has added to its website a free, online pandemic influenza webinar to educate individuals on pandemic influenza preparations. The webinar is available in both English and Spanish on the DHSS website at http://www.nj.gov/health/training/panflu/download.shtml.
  Click here to read the rest of the story...
  
  
  

• New Jersey Resources...
  On August 3, 2009, Governor Jon S. Corzine announced that the federal government is giving New Jersey a $10 million grant to enhance its H1N1 flu efforts this fall.
  
  In New Jersey, check the Department of Health and Senior Services website for updated New Jersey information.
  
  

  

  The DHSS Pandemic Influenza Awareness Program covers everything you need to know, in simple language. It was developed with Rutgers University, funded by DHSS, and has considerable input from DHS’ Disaster & Terrorism Branch’s psychosocial experts.
  
  
  

• National Resources...
  The novel influenza A (H1N1) flu virus has spread across the world and is now being called a pandemic by the World Health Organization.
  

  For overall information to help prevent the H1N1 flu, check the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) website at www.Flu.gov - click the widget to the left for English o haga clic en el widget de la derecha para ir a la página española de flu.gov.

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  For CDC Guidance on Helping Child Care and Early Childhood Programs Respond to Influenza during the 2009-2010 Influenza Season, click here:
  (English)  (En Español)
  
  

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  The CDC's H1N1 web page also contains general information, information for specific groups, situation updates, reports and publications, and other pertinent information for both the public and for medical providers, communities, and first responders.

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  CDC Mobile Web site 

  Your Mobile Source for Credible Health Information -- CDC's health information is now available on your mobile device. Visit m.cdc.gov on your mobile phone or PDA for information on seasonal flu, H1N1 flu, public health emergencies, and more.

  This site is designed to be easily read and navigated from mobile devices and will soon feature even more health and safety topics.

  
  To follow updates on Twitter, go to BirdFluGov.
  
  
  
  

• Preventing the spread of H1N1 flu...
   

  What can employees do to reduce the spread of novel influenza A (H1N1) flu in the workplace?

  • Stay home if you are sick. If you have influenza-like illness symptoms, stay home for 7 days after symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. Following these recommendations will help keep you from infecting others and spreading the virus. 
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.  If you don’t have a tissue, cough/sneeze into your sleeve… not your hands, which are constantly touching things throughout the day. 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners can be used if soap and water are not available. 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.  Germs spread this way. 
  • Avoid close contact with sick people.