H1N1 Swine Flu Information Line
The Florida Department of Health has launched a toll-free number to provide public health information and updates on H1N1 Swine Flu. the information will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. An operator-assisted feature provides access to live operators from 8AM to 8PM EDT. The number to call is 877-352-3581. Additionally, the Web site www.MyFluSafety.com is Florida's Web site for H1N1 Swine Flu information.

Second H1N1 Influenza death confirmed

(Sebring, FL) – Highlands County Health Department has received word from the Medical Examiners Office confirming that a 60 year old man who died last October was due to complications of H1N1 virus infection. This man was a Highlands County resident. “Our deepest sympathies are extended to family and friends”, said Robert Palussek, Administrator of the Highlands County Health Department.

It is expected that we will see an increase in H1N1 Influenza infections this month as it will be the third wave of the pandemic. The Highlands County Health Department wants to remind you that fighting H1N1 swine flu is a three-step approach: 1) get a H1N1 flu vaccination, 2) practice everyday prevention (including frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home from work or school when sick), and 3) use antiviral drugs correctly if your health professional recommends them.

The Highlands County Health Department will provide both H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Vaccine at each of our three locations. You can call to make an appointment for the following sites:
Avon Park: 400 S. Lake Avenue 382-7363
Lake Placid: 106 N. Main St 382-7302
Sebring: 7205 S. George Blvd 382-7272
Cost: H1N1 vaccinations are free of charge, Seasonal Flu Shot $25 or at no cost using Medicare Part B (must bring in red, white and blue Medicare Card). Also, Seasonal Flu Vaccine provided at no cost to those individuals 6 months to 18 years of age.

Upcoming Public H1N1 & Seasonal Flu Clinic
                   Walk-in – no appointment
           H1N1 shot free – no age restriction
Seasonal flu shot $25.00 - With Medicare Part B flu shot is free
           NO Medicare HMO nor PPO’s accepted

  AVON PARK: Feb 2, Tuesday at Union Congregational Church in the Solid Grounds Bldg.
                       106 N Butler Ave – Avon Park (one block off of CR 64 East/Main Street)
                       Behind the old Well’s Auto sales building
                       Time: 10 am thru 6 pm

Flu Prevention
The Highlands County Health Department wants to remind you that fighting H1N1 swine flu is a three-step approach: 1) get a H1N1 flu vaccination, 2) practice everyday prevention (including frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when sick), and 3) use antiviral drugs correctly if your health professional recommends them.
For more information about the 2009 H1N1 virus, contact the Florida Flu Information Line 1-877-352-3581 or visit the Florida Department of Health’s website: www.myflusafety.com

Four out of five people wash their hands ... Don't be the fifth guy
We all know the Fifth Person - the guy who doesn't wash his hands, the gal who shows up at work sick, or the dude who sprays us with spittle. Click on this link http://www.fifthguy.com to find out how to prevent spreading cold and flu germs at work.

Healthcare 411 provides information and news on many health topics in both English and Spanish.

Highlands County Health Department Community Survey
Please take a few minutes and help us serve you better by filling out our Community Survey