At BCAL, not only do we care about issues affecting our community, we care about your health and wellbeing. And, since H1N1 appeared earlier this year, municipal, county, state, and federal health authorities have been working together to keep you safe. While you may be hearing bits and pieces about H1N1 on the local news, get the real scoop directly from the NJDHSS and the CDC. The following link is an excellent source of seasonal and H1N1 information put together by Christ Hospital in Jersey City. Stay informed and be well: http://www.christhospital.org/swine_flu.cfm

NJ Department of Health and Senior Services: http://www.nj.gov/health/

CDC: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu

State H1N1 Hotline
For more information, please call our hotline: 1-866-321-9571.  Get the latest H1N1 Influenza information and your questions answered immediately.  The call center operators will be able to provide general information about H1N1, vaccine safety and availability information, symptoms of H1N1 and flu preventive measures.  

H1N1 Vaccine Target Groups
It is recommended that certain at-risk groups be among the first to receive the H1N1 vaccine as it becomes available. 

These groups include:

• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
• Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.   

Seasonal Vaccine Target Groups
Some groups are more likely to have complications from the seasonal flu. These include:

• Those age 65 and older
• Children younger than 2 years old
• People of any age who have chronic medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, asthma, congestive heart failure, lung disease)

Symptoms of H1N1
The symptoms of H1N1 flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

• Stay informed, and take everyday actions to stay healthy.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and then wash your hands. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety.