H1N1- FLU Information
H1N1 (swine) Flu
With mostly mild cases of H1N1 (swine) flu in the United States, swine flu fears are lessening. But viruses have a way of re-appearing and changing. Influenza typically decreases in the warmer months and increases in the fall and winter months; therefore, it is important to stay informed. The Coconino County Health Department (CCHD), the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to respond to the situation.
CCHD officials encourage the following simple actions to help stop the spread of germs and protect individuals from illness:
· Stay informed. The Coconino County Health Department website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
· Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
· 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. If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into 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.
§ Don’t share eating utensils, cups or straws.
§ Stay home if you get sick.
Stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
· Follow public health advice regarding social distancing measures.
· If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
· Call the CCHD Flu Information Line for more information: 928-679-7300
Below is a brief H1N1 (swine) flu update.
History - A New Virus Emerges
Novel influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that was first detected in April, 2009. The virus is infecting people and is spreading from person-to-person, and has sparked a growing outbreak of illness in the United States with an increasing number of cases being reported internationally as well.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) anticipates that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths associated with this new virus in the coming days and weeks because the population has little to no immunity against it.
The CDC found that the number of people visiting their doctors with influenza-like-illness is higher than expected in the United States for this time of year. Laboratory data shows that regular seasonal influenza viruses are still circulating in the United States, but confirmed and probable cases of H1N1 (swine) viruses now account for a significant number of the viruses detected in the United States.
Guidance
The symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting in addition to respiratory symptoms associated with swine flu. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
§ Fast breathing or trouble breathing
§ Bluish skin color
§ Not drinking enough fluids
§ Not waking up or not interacting
§ Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
§ Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
§ Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
§ Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
§ Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
§ Sudden dizziness
§ Confusion
§ Severe or persistent vomiting
Health officials advise individuals who develop influenza-like-illness (ILI) (fever with either cough or sore throat) to stay at home, to get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Persons who experience symptoms and wish to seek medical care should contact their health care providers to report illness (by telephone or other remote means) before seeking care at a clinic, physician’s office, or hospital. Those with severe symptoms (see above) who have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath or are believed to be severely ill should seek immediate medical attention.
U.S. HUMAN CASES OF H1N1 FLU INFECTION
As of May 14, 2009 at 8:00 am MST, CDC has reported 4,298 human confirmed and probable cases and 3 deaths in 45 states (including the District of Columbia):
The Arizona Department of Health Services is reporting 240 confirmed cases in Arizona.
Coconino County does not have a confirmed or probable case as of May 14, 2009. Arizona clinicians have been asked to test only individuals who are hospitalized with flu-like symptoms. Because the illness is generally mild, people may have the illness but not need to seek medical care; therefore will not be tested.
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN CASES OF H1N1 FLU INFECTION
As of 06:00 GMT, 13 May 2009, 33 countries have officially reported 5,728 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection. For more information about the global situation, see the World Health Organization website.
ADDITIONAL UPDATES ON THE CDC H1N1 FLU WEBSITE AND THE CCHD WEBSITE
To learn about other recent updates, please check the "What's New" page on the CDC H1N1 Flu website and visit www.coconino.az.gov/health for links to updated information or call the CCHD Flu Information Line at 928-679-7300.
