H1N1 (originally referred to as swine flu) is a new flu virus that first caused illness in Mexico and the United States in March and April 2009.  Seasonal influenza is the type of flu people in Iowa are the most familiar with.   There can be a wide range of flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Sometimes people have nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.

Currently, Trimark has the seasonal influenza vaccine and patients can receive this immunization at their local clinic. Patients should call their local Trimark clinic to schedule an appointment. Novel H1N1 vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public by mid-October.

If this year's flu season becomes more severe, Iowans may need to take additional steps to prevent the spread of the virus. Trimark is monitoring flu conditions and is working with local and state officials to make decisions about the best steps to take. Together, we will keep our communities updated with new information as it becomes available to us.

For now, we are doing everything we can to help you stay healthy, but we need everyone's help to accomplish this.

Here are a few things you can do to help:

• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze by turning your face into the crease of your elbow

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. We encourage people to use these often when they do not have access to soap and water.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you are sick with flu-like illness, we recommend that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

• Talk with your Trimark provider to find out if you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu now and/or H1N1 flu when it becomes available.

For more information please visit the CDC H1N1 Flu website.