Onsite flu shots, prevention start early this year

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is targeting just about everyone to get immunized – and Kellogg is again providing company-paid, convenient onsite flu vaccinations at our major U.S. locations this year.

Sponsored annually by our Feeling Gr-r-reat employee health awareness and enhancement program, the clinics are open to all full- and part-time Kellogg employees, retirees, retiree spouses and spouses of deceased retirees.

Flu shot clinics are part of Kellogg's Feeling Gr-r-reat program, which is designed to empower you to pursue healthier lifestyles. Good health doesn't only have a positive impact on your health and productivity, but it also helps keep health care costs down.

Important note: The seasonal flu shot provided at the onsite clinics is not the H1N1 influenza vaccination. Look for more information coming soon about H1N1, or go to the CDC's website.

The public is encouraged to take preventative measures to combat H1N1 this flu season

As flu season approaches, the medical community is preparing for a possible H1N1 outbreak by educating the public on prevention methods, signs and symptoms of the disease as well as detailing procedures for dealing with what could become a pandemic.

As part of Kellogg's ongoing effort to promote health and wellness, we have developed some guidelines to help combat H1N1 this season.

The World Health Organization predicts that nearly one-third of the world's population will contract H1N1 within the next two years. This possibility demonstrates the importance of taking necessary precautions to reduce your likelihood of contracting this flu strain.

First and foremost, anyone who exhibits signs or symptoms of H1N1 should see their medical care provider and avoid traveling outside the home. Caregivers who are exposed to people with signs or symptoms of H1N1 should also stay home. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, runny or stuffy nose, diarrhea, vomiting, chills and fatigue.

People should wait 24 hours after symptoms have subsided before returning to their normal activities.

While flu shots will be available to Kellogg retirees at the end of September, this seasonal flu vaccine and Tamiflu will not protect against H1N1. H1N1 vaccines will be available in October to high-risk groups including those between the ages of six months and 25 years, pregnant women, health care workers and daycare providers, and persons aged 25 through 64 who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

Additional information regarding the H1N1 vaccine is available at your local health department or by contacting the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Watch Senior K for important updates. For additional information on H1N1, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and www.Flu.gov.