Santa Claus needs sanitizer, too

Not deemed worthy of early H1N1 flu vaccination, mall Santas are counting on hand sanitizers and the kindness of strangers (to keep their sick children at home).

H1N1 cases decline again in Minn.; 6 deaths confirmed

Cases dropped for the fourth week in a row, health officials said Tuesday, and they made more people eligible for flu shots as vaccine becomes more plentiful.

CDC warns holiday could bump up flu cases

Just as the H1N1 pandemic seems to be waning around the country, some health officials are worried that crowded malls, holiday gatherings and higher numbers of travelers could lead to more infections. Thanksgiving is typically followed by at least a modest bump in early seasonal flu cases, according to reports from the past few years. But swine flu accounts for nearly all flu cases right now.

More Minnesotans are eligible for H1N1 flu shots

In a sign that vaccine shortages might be easing, the Minnesota Department of Health is expected to announce Tuesday that it is expanding the number of high-risk target groups eligible for H1N1 immunizations.

More Minnesota kids receive their H1N1 flu shots

Thousands more Minnesota kids were immunized against the H1N1 flu Saturday, a process that apparently went smoothly across the Twin Cities.

Twin Cities flu clinics set for this weekend

Today, Fairview Clinics will offer walk-in vaccination at its locations in Minneapolis, Bloomington, Fridley, Eagan and Wyoming, and other clinics are planned.

Flu vaccine clinics this week will target most at risk

Metro counties roll out H1N1 flu-shot clinics for children.

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Swine flu basics

Symptoms

The symptoms of H1N1 swine flu are similar to those of seasonal flu:

fever (above 100°F)
cough
sore throat
stuffy nose
diarrhea and vomiting, in some cases

How does it spread?

Coughing or sneezing
Touching something with flu virus on it, and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Prevention

Cover your nose and mouth every time you cough or sneeze.
If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick, if possible.
To help stay healthy, eat nutritious foods, get enough sleep and exercise.

What should I do if I get sick?

Call your health care provider.
Stay home and avoid contact with other people to keep from spreading your illness.

For more information:

Contact the Minnesota Department of Health at 1-877-676-5414 or online at www.health.state.mn.us

Regular flu vaccine is available now, and people who need it most include:

Adults 50 and older.
All children age 6 months to 18 years.
Pregnant women.
People of any age with chronic health problems like asthma, heart disease or a weakened immune system.
Health workers.
Caregivers to the high-risk, including babies younger than 6 months.

Don't like shots? There's a nasal spray version of the vaccine, called FluMist, available for people ages 2 to 49.

The first shipments of H1N1 flu vaccine for the general public have arrived in Minnesota, but:

Supplies are limited.
The state Health Department is distributing the vaccine to hospitals and clinics that serve the most vulnerable populations, such as children with chronic health conditions and pregnant women.
Providers with vaccine supplies will call their patients.
State officials say that shipments are arriving gradually and many Minnesotans might not get their H1N1 shots until after Thanksgiving.