ADPH Makes Recommendations Regarding Novel H1N1 Influenza
08/21/09
Novel H1N1 influenza continues circulating in Alabama, and the Alabama Department of Public Health urges the public to consider strategies to best respond to it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued guidance to assist businesses and institutions of higher education plan for the influenza season. Alabama physicians were also notified about changes needed because of the prevalence of the novel H1N1 strain.
While the severity of illness that novel H1N1 influenza will cause is unknown, employers should consider offering vaccine to protect their employees against seasonal flu and encourage employees to be vaccinated for both seasonal and novel H1N1 influenza.
"As we face the renewed challenge of novel H1N1, we ask that businesses encourage their employees who are sick to stay home," Dr. Donald Williamson, state health officer, said. The CDC also recommends that employees who begin to experience flu-like symptoms at work be sent home and perhaps encouraged to seek medical treatment. Flexibility is needed to reduce transmission among staff and to protect those at increased risk.
If influenza incidence conditions are similar to those of the past spring, the CDC recommends that institutions of higher education facilitate the self isolation of residential students with flu-like illness. Students and staff with flu-like illness should stay away from classes and limit interactions with others for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
In addition, nonresidential students, faculty and staff with flu-like illness should be asked to isolate themselves at home, at a friend's home, or at family member's home. High-risk students, faculty and staff should be permitted to stay home when influenza is spreading in the community.
With the increase in influenza, the department also has informed Alabama physicians that the prevalence of H1N1 influenza makes routine confirmatory tests for novel H1N1 influenza no longer necessary. More than 99 percent of all positive influenza samples tested by the Bureau of Clinical Laboratories during the past four weeks were positive for the novel strain. "Public health resources will be directed instead to testing of hospitalized patients, pregnant women and a fixed number of patients seen weekly by a statewide network of designated medical practices," Dr. Williamson stated.
While recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention change frequently, guidance for excluding ill persons depends upon their setting. Persons with influenza-like illness should remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100 degrees F) or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. This is often three to five days.
This recommendation applies to schools, businesses, mass gatherings, camps, and other community settings where the majority of people are not at increased risk for influenza complications. Convalescent health care workers should be excluded for seven days from the onset of symptoms or until the resolution of symptoms, whichever is longer.
The federal government has advised public health agencies to prepare for the delivery of 45 million doses of the novel H1N1 vaccine nationwide in October. The strategy in Alabama will be to push the vaccine to school-based clinics for kindergarten through 12th grade students. The vaccine will be offered at no charge; insurers will pay the costs to administer the vaccine. By October, 600,000 courses of novel H1N1 vaccine are expected to be shipped to Alabama, followed by an additional 300,000 doses every two weeks. By December, 2 million doses of vaccine are expected. Plans now call for two novel H1N1 shots to be administered. Currently, the novel H1N1 attack rate for children and young adults (ages 5 to 24) is higher than for all other age groups, but the hospitalization rate for children under age 4 is the highest.
Alabama has experienced approximately 1,300 novel H1N1 influenza cases and two deaths. The department will monitor school absenteeism with the State Board of Education, and will work with the Alabama Hospital Association to monitor bed availability and fatalities. Detailed guidance for businesses, employers and institutions of higher education are available at flu.gov.
Source
Alabama Department of Public Health
Repost of Flu Tips
This is not the time for panic, but it is the time for preparation!
In General we should prepare for this virus like we do many others, including but not limited to:
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected 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.
- 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.
- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
- Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.
Some Websites that were mentioned:
Center for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/index.htm
Alabama Department of Public Health
http://www.adph.org/
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/
More info from the CDC:
Questions & Answers
H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You
April 29, 2009, 10:55 PM ET
What is swine flu?
HIN1 Influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.
Are there human infections with H1N1 flu in the U.S.?
In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with H1N1 influenza A viruses were first reported in Southern California and near Guadalupe County, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of H1N1 flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. Updated case counts of confirmed H1N1 flu infections in the United States is available on the CDC website. CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.
Is this H1N1 flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this H1N1 influenza A virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu in people?
The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people 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 associated with H1N1 flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How does H1N1 flu spread?
Spread of this H1N1 influenza A virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Can I get H1N1 influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. H1N1 influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get H1N1 influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Are there medicines to treat H1N1 flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these H1N1 influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
How long can an infected person spread H1N1 flu to others?
People with H1N1 influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where H1N1 influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
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
How serious is H1N1 flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of H1N1 flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, H1N1 flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with H1N1 flu and died 8 days later. A H1N1 flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.
What is CDC doing in response to the outbreak? April 29, 2009, 10:55 PM ET
CDC has implemented its emergency response. The agency’s goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by the new virus. CDC continues to issue new interim guidance for clinicians and public health professionals. In addition, CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) continues to send antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak.
FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS!
Use fireworks outdoors only.
Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
Alabama Fireworks Page
Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).
Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.
Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."
Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety invites you to celebrate our nation's heritage on the Fourth of July, but celebrate safely.
Beat the Heat with Red Cross Safety Tips
Monday, June 09, 2008 — As the sweltering summer heat sweeps the nation, the American Red Cross reminds everyone to take precautions against heat related incidents. So many simple measures can be taken to significantly reduce the chance of getting heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The Red Cross encourages drinking plenty of water and taking frequent breaks while working outside. Staying inside and avoiding strenuous activity is also recommended.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 400 Americans die each year due to summer’s sweltering heat. Furthermore, the National Weather Service asserts that excessive heat was the number one weather-related killer, causing more fatalities per year than floods, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms and extreme cold from 1994 to 2003.
Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees but the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and even death if unattended. Signs of heat-related illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches. Victims of heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.
Click here for safety tips!
June 1, 2009 Markes the official beginning of Hurricane Season
NOAA Issues Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook, Encourages Preparedness
May 21, 2009
NOAA forecasters say a near-normal Atlantic hurricane season is most likely this year. However, as with any season, the need to prepare for the possibility of a storm striking near you is essential.
“Today, more than 35 million Americans live in regions most threatened by Atlantic hurricanes,” Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. “Timely and accurate warnings of severe weather help save lives and property. Public awareness and public preparedness are the best defenses against a hurricane.”
In its initial outlook for the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June through November, NOAA’s National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center calls for a 50 percent probability of a near-normal season, a 25 percent probability of an above-normal season and a 25 percent probability of a below-normal season. Global weather patterns are imposing a greater uncertainty in the 2009 hurricane season outlook than in recent years. Forecasters say there is a 70 percent chance of having nine to 14 named storms, of which four to seven could become hurricanes, including one to three major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5).
“This outlook is a guide to the overall expected seasonal activity. However, the outlook is not just about the numbers, it’s also about taking action,” said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “Prepare for each and every season regardless of the seasonal outlook. Even a near- or below-normal season can produce landfalling hurricanes, and it only takes one landfalling storm to make it a bad season.”
NOAA administrator Jane Lubchenco and Rear Admiral Philip M. Kenul, director, NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.
High resolution (Credit NOAA)
Shaping this seasonal outlook is the possibility of competing climate factors. Supporting more activity this season are conditions associated with the ongoing high-activity era that began in 1995, which include enhanced rainfall over West Africa, warmer Atlantic waters and reduced wind shear. But activity could be reduced if El Nino develops in the equatorial Eastern Pacific this summer or if ocean temperatures in the eastern tropical Atlantic remain cooler than normal.
NOAA’s seasonal hurricane outlook does not project where and when any of these storms may hit. Landfall is dictated by weather patterns in place at the time the storm approaches. For each storm, NOAA’s National Hurricane Center forecasts how these weather patterns affect the storm track, intensity and landfall potential.
“NOAA strives to produce the best possible forecasts to help emergency officials and residents better prepare for an approaching storm,” said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “I’m pleased to have the Administration’s support for an additional $13 million in next year’s budget request to continue the trend of improving hurricane track and intensity forecasts.”
Tropical systems acquire a name – the first for 2009 will be Ana – upon reaching tropical storm strength with sustained winds of at least 39 mph. Tropical storms become hurricanes when winds reach 74 mph, and become major hurricanes when winds increase to 111 mph. An average season has 11 named storms, including six hurricanes with two becoming major hurricanes.
NOAA scientists will continue to monitor evolving conditions in the tropics and will issue an updated hurricane outlook in early August, just prior to what is historically the peak period for hurricane activity.
NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources.
See the Storm names here http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtml
Hurricane Prepardeness Guide http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mob/2009pamphlet.pdf
************************************************************************
June 10, 2009 - Latest update on the H1N1 Virus,
To date A
This is not the time for panic, but it is the time for preparation!
In General we should prepare for this virus like we do many others, including but not limited to:
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected 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.
- 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.
- Stay
home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or
school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
- Develop a family emergency plan
as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food,
medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential
supplies.
Some Websites that were mentioned:
Center for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/index.htm
Alabama Department of Public Health
http://www.adph.org/
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/
More info from the CDC:
Questions & Answers
H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You
April 29, 2009, 10:55 PM ET
What is swine flu?
HIN1
Influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza
viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally
get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu
viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the
past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three
people.
Are there human infections with H1N1 flu in the U.S.?
In
late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with H1N1
influenza A viruses were first reported in Southern California and near
Guadalupe County, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of H1N1
flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as
well. Updated case counts of confirmed H1N1 flu infections in the United States is available on the CDC website. CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.
Is this H1N1 flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined
that this H1N1 influenza A virus is contagious and is spreading from
human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the
virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu in people?
The
symptoms of H1N1 flu in people 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
associated with H1N1 flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and
respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 flu
infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may cause a worsening
of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How does H1N1 flu spread?
Spread of this H1N1 influenza A
virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu
spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through
coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may
become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then
touching their mouth or nose.
Can I get H1N1 influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No.
H1N1 influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get H1N1
influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled
and cooked pork products is safe.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected
people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms
develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that
you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you
are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and
most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink
plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that
may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people
who are sick.
Are there medicines to treat H1N1 flu?
Yes. CDC recommends
the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention
of infection with these H1N1 influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are
prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against
the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you
get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you
feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications.
For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting
sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
How long can an infected person spread H1N1 flu to others?
People
with H1N1 influenza virus infection should be considered potentially
contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7
days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children,
might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs
can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with
germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a
cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can
be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another
person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth
or nose before washing their hands.
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that
some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like
cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help
you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common
surfaces.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There
is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 flu. There
are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that
cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps
to protect your health:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If
you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from
work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting
them.
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If
you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible.
Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a
tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from
getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your
cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands,
and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing
your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and
water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when
you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15
to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based
disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them
in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until
the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it
kills the germs on your hands.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where
H1N1 influenza cases have been identified and become ill with
influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore
throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their
health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your
symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza
testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other
people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to
others.
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
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
How serious is H1N1 flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, H1N1
flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005
until January 2009, 12 human cases of H1N1 flu were detected in the
U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, H1N1 flu infection can be
serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant
woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected
with H1N1 flu and died 8 days later. A H1N1 flu outbreak in Fort Dix,
New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with
serious illness in several people and one death.
What is CDC doing in response to the outbreak? April 29, 2009, 10:55 PM ET
CDC has implemented its emergency response.
The agency’s goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and
provide information to help health care providers, public health
officials and the public address the challenges posed by the new virus.
CDC continues to issue new interim guidance
for clinicians and public health professionals. In addition, CDC’s
Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) continues to send
antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory
protection devices to all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them
respond to the outbreak.
labama has seen 94 cases with no deaths
********************************************************************************
Mayor Holiday and leaders of the City of Hamilton will formulate a planning group of key leaders in the near future, to continue work on this and other types of situations that may face the city.
Matthew McCracken, Firefighter
Hamilton Fire and Rescue
561 6th Street SW
Hamilton, AL 35570
205-921-2877 Office
205-495-3450 Cell