Announcement to residents in Fukushima Prefecture

Social Health & Welfare Department, Infection Control & Nursing Care Unit

According to the weekly report of the 3rd week for trend research of the occurrence of infectious diseases in Fukushima Prefecture (January 17 to January 23, 2011), the number of flu-infected patients reported by 80 regular spots for medical observation, resulted in 29.99 per regular spot, closing to the warning level (30.0 or over per regular spot). So, we would like to ask all the residents of Fukushima Prefecture to keep in mind the following precautions to prevent the spread of infection.

1. People of all ages need to be cautious about the flu.

Last year, the new type of flu (swine flu) widely spread throughout Japan , and this year, viruses of the seasonal flu and the new type of flu were detected. While the seasonal flu tends to increase the severity of disease in aged people, the new type of flu tends to increase the severity of disease in children and adults over a wide age range. Therefore, all the age groups need to take caution against the flu, this year.

2. The new type of flu (A/H1N1), which widely spread last year, showed a low rate of antibody formation in infants, and we need to be cautious about it this year, as well. Due to the wide spread of the seasonal flu A/H3N2 ( Hong Kong type), we are very cautious about the occurrence of flu encephalopathy in children, particularly in infants more than ever.

If your child has the flu, please see if he/she has any symptoms of flu encephalopathy, such as disturbance in consciousness, breathing trouble and dehydration, and take regular caution for him/her.

3. Precautions in daily life

�@　 Control of physical condition

Flu is likely to develop when the resistance of your body is low. Please sleep well, take well-balanced meals, do adequate exercises, and take a rest if you do not feel good or are tired.

�A Hand washing and gargling

If you go out and touch a door knob or a handrail, which may be touched by an infected person, please wash your hands to avoid infection.

�B　 Coughing etiquette

If you have any symptoms of the flu, such as a high fever and coughing, please wear a mask as soon as possible to prevent infection to others.

4. As the further spread of flu is expected, we recommend that all the residents receive vaccinations.

�@　 This year, a sufficient amount of vaccines are prepared.

�A　 Vaccination has some effects, such as prevention of flu onset, weakening of symptoms and
prevention of infection to others.

�B　 We recommend that you take the 3 type-flu vaccine (trivalent vaccine), which is effective for the new type of flu and the seasonal flu (Hong Kong type A and B).

�C　 If you want to take a vaccination, please inquire with your home doctor or medical institutions available for vaccination. For the information of medical institutions available for vaccination, please refer to `Information of New Type of Flu` on the web site of the Social Health & Welfare Department, Infection Control & Nursing Care Unit.

5. Cautions when you have symptoms of the flu

�@　 If you will take a medical examination, please call your home doctor or nearest medical institution to confirm the time for examination.

�A　 Please wear a mask when you go to a hospital.

�B　 If you have a flu-like symptom, please take a rest.

�C　 Please do not go out for the period with a possibility of infection to others (2 days after your body temperature became normal).

6. Consultation center for the new type of flu (Public Health & Welfare Offices)