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Schools are closing because students are ill; the media reports daily about H1N1 (swine) influenza; vaccine shortages and their safety are sparking concern; the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) changes guidance about H1N1, myths vs. facts, H1N1 is highly contagious and … it’s only October.

So, what are we to do? First, take a deep breath and then take a common-sense approach.

More people who contract the flu, whether seasonal influenza or H1N1 (swine) influenza virus, will have mild illness, will have few complications, may not need to see their doctor and can recover at home, said Infection Preventionist Sharyn Juneau, manager, Infection Prevention and Control, Marshfield Clinic.

“There is a great deal of concern right now, even to the point of anxiousness and great worry for some people, but common sense is the key for good health and a reasonable approach to flu-like illness,” she said.

Some people have complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections, Juneau said, and should call their physicians’ offices to see if they should be examined.

People with chronic health problems, like asthma, congestive heart failure or diabetes, are more seriously affected by the flu. Those having complications should call their doctor, Juneau said. There also have been hospitalizations due to complications and a number of deaths have occurred.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, target groups who should receive the H1N1 vaccine include:

• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers of children younger than 6 months of age
• Those ages 6 months to 4 years
• Children and adolescents age 5-18 years who have chronic medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel who have direct contact with patients or infectious material

According to the CDC, those who benefit most from seasonal flu vaccination are:

• Children ages 6 months to 5 years
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years of age and older
• Anyone with cancer, blood disorders, chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, kidney, cognitive, liver, neuromuscular or neurological disorders or weakened immune systems
• Anyone under 19 years old receiving long-term aspirin therapy and at risk for Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu

In addition to the above, the CDC recommends that everyone receive both seasonal and H1N1 vaccinations when enough vaccine is available.

“Use common sense,” Juneau added. This ranges from covering coughs and sneezes; staying home when ill; drinking plenty of fluids and eating lightly until you feel better. It’s also wise to call the doctor’s office to see if a visit is warranted if you are not getting better; and wear a mask if you need to be in public or in a health care setting.

More common-sense information Juneau offers:

• H1N1 symptoms are similar to seasonal flu and are typically milder. They may include fever, aches and pains, cough, chills, sneezing, runny nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, and feeling tired or lacking energy.
• People with flu-like symptoms and who have a “regular” medical appointment for other health problems that are stable should call their provider before going to that appointment. Consider rescheduling the appointment until you are well. You may want to call to check if a visit is needed for flu.
• Health care facilities are providing masks for people to wear and are typically available when entering the building.
• Masks, worn to cover the nose and mouth, help prevent sick people from spreading illness or protect others from being exposed to illness.
• Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue in the wastebasket after use. Wash hands often with soap and water or use alcohol gel hand sanitizers after coughing or sneezing.
• Become informed about both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu. The more you know, the better you can take care of yourself and your family.
• Keep some distance between yourself and sick people.
• Contact county health departments or medical providers and their Web sites for information about seasonal flu clinics and H1N1 flu vaccine availability.

“It’s really everyone’s responsibility to use common sense to stay healthy through the flu season,” Juneau said.

For up-to-date information about seasonal and H1N1 flu, contact county public health departments, the 2-1-1 information line, Marshfield Clinic’s Web site at www.marshfieldclinic.org or the CDC’s Web site at www.cdc.gov

The Marshfield Clinic system provides patient care, research and education with 45 locations in northern, central and western Wisconsin, making it one of the largest comprehensive medical systems in the United States.