FortBendNow.com

Local information to help Houston-area residents protect their family, employees and the community from the flu is now just a click away. 

The Houston Department of Health and Human Services has launched FightTheFluHouston.com, the city’s new, enhanced website for Houston-specific information about both seasonal and H1N1 influenza.

In addition to the department’s public education and free flu vaccine clinics, the city’s health department is providing the website as a central source of information to help parents, business owners, teachers, people with health issues, community organizations and travelers find information that addresses their unique needs, as well as updated dates, times and locations for flu vaccinations in the city area clinics.

A Spanish language version of the website will be available within the next two weeks.

FightTheFluHouston.com features regular video updates from Dr. David E. Persse, Houston’s Public Health Authority, that address the current status of seasonal and H1N1 influenza in Houston.

“Houstonians are taking the flu seriously and have made a substantial difference in preventing the spread of infection by practicing good hygiene and getting vaccinated,” Persse said. “The fight to prevent the flu is not just about keeping students in school and employees at work.  It’s a commitment to saving lives.  It’s important that Houstonians keep up their fight against the potentially fatal viruses.”

HDHHS expects both H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine to be widely available in the coming weeks, and encourages Houstonians to visit the new website for vaccine updates, as well as specific flu prevention information for:

Businesses/Employees – Includes topics such as flu prevention in the workplace, employee absenteeism, guidelines for returning to work, and business continuity/preparedness planning.

Educators/Childcare Providers – Provides educators and childcare providers with what they need to know about seasonal and H1N1 flu, divided by education levels: Early childhood, K-12 schools, and higher education. Provides various informational resources in both traditional and new forms of media, as well as links to additional sources of information instrumental to educators and childcare providers.

Faith/Community Leaders – Includes information for houses of worship such as how to maintain healthy congregations and how to help surrounding communities. Community Service Organizations are provided with information on how to help communities they serve, as well as guidelines on keeping service providers healthy.

Parents – Includes information regarding the following topics: risk for different age groups; when to keep children home from school; when and where to seek treatment; how to know the difference between the cold and the flu; and vaccine guidelines for different age groups.

Persons with Health Issues – Addresses increased risk and additional concerns for individuals with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS Infection. This section also addresses concerns specific to senior citizens.

Physicians/Pharmacists – Provides specific information relevant to physicians, pharmacists, laboratories and other health professionals regarding legal issues, vaccine guidelines, diagnostic tools, testing protocols, and government and organizational resources.

Pregnant Women – Includes topics of flu prevention, treatment, and when to seek emergency care.

Travelers – Suggests general precautions to take while traveling and provides specific information regarding air, sea, and international travel.

An interactive component of FightTheFluHouston.com allows visitors to submit their questions regarding seasonal and H1N1 flu by clicking the “Ask a Question” link on the home page. Visitors can also review questions and answers submitted to date.

A “Flu Facts” section provides current statistics and general seasonal and H1N1 flu information. Topics include flu symptoms; vaccine safety and production; information for the deaf and hard of hearing; educational materials for download; and links to additional resources.

“It’s important for Houstonians to keep up their guard,” Persse said. “The flu traditionally comes in waves, and just as one virus begins to decline, we expect the other to build.  Our best defense is to stay informed, take action and continue to work together to Fight the Flu Houston.”