Jackson – With the annual seasonal season fast approaching, Amador Health Department said Tuesday that it is important to remember that there are two different types of flu this year. Every year there is a strong focus on seasonal flu prevention, but this year there is also the H1N1 flu strain to deal with. At this time, the severity of H1N1 illness is no worse than the seasonal influenza. Amador County Health Officer Bob Hartmann said symptoms of both types of flu include a fever of 100 degrees or higher and a cough. In addition some people experience headache, muscle aches, runny nose or sore throat. Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea could also be present. People should stay home from work or school when they have a fever of 100 degrees or higher. They should return if they have been fever-free for 24 hours. Hartmann said: “It is recommended that everyone plan on getting their seasonal flu vaccination this year.” He said “vaccination against flu is the best prevention measure we have.” The vaccine is now available at some local pharmacies and health care providers now. Amador County Public Health has organized the seasonal flu vaccination clinic schedule with the first clinic scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 29th at the Amador County Health and Human Services Building conference rooms. An additional clinic at the same location is scheduled for 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 7th. A third seasonal flu clinic is at the Sutter Amador Health Festival on October 16th. A separate set of H1N1 flu vaccination clinics will be organized focusing on different high-risk groups than the seasonal flu. H1N1 is a new flu strain which requires a different vaccine with 2 vaccinations given at least three weeks apart. High-risk groups include pregnant women, children age 6 months to 24 years and individuals with underlying conditions that would compromise their immune system, such as heart disease, diabetes or asthma. Flu prevention measures are important every year, but are particularly crucial during this flu season. Key recommendations include washing hands often with warm, soapy water for at least 30 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizers. Also, cover your cough and sneeze. If you cough or sneeze into a tissue, throw if away and then wash your hands. Stay home if you are sick. Get your annual seasonal flu vaccine. For current flu information, see the Amador County Public Health website, call (209) 223-6407, visit Public Health at 10877 Conductor Blvd, Ste 400 Sutter Creek, or -mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.