<font color="#FF0000">SWINE FLU:</font> First confirmed case in Lafayette

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Discussion

September 21, 2009

Staff The Suwannee Democrat Mon Sep 21, 2009, 11:02 AM EDT

The first case of the H1N1 virus (swine flu) has been confirmed in Lafayette County, local health officials said. Although this was the first "laboratory confirmed" case of H1N1, this virus is widespread throughout the state as well as Lafayette County, officials said. The Lafayette County Health Department is receiving reports daily of residents who are ill with symptoms of H1N1. Routine laboratory testing for H1N1 infection is no longer recommended because nearly all (99 percent) of the influenza that is currently circulating has been confirmed as H1N1. Because laboratory testing is not being done on a regular basis, the diagnosis of H1N1 is based on the presence of H1N1 symptoms. The symptoms of H1N1 are the same as for the seasonal flu, including fever and/or cough, sore throat or running nose. Other symptoms may include body aches, headache, fatigue, chills, diarrhea and vomiting.

This spread of H1N1 is not surprising, officials said. The CDC and the Florida Department of Health advised that the H1N1 virus would spread when children returned to school. The Lafayette County Health Department has been working closely with the Lafayette County Schools for several weeks to prepare for an increase in influenza once children returned to school.

"At this time it is recommended that providers manage patients with influenza-like illness as they normally would during flu season," said Dr. Patrick Woloszyn, medical director of the Lafayette County Health Department. "Patients at high risk for complications should be treated with antivirals, like Tamiflu and Relenza." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines "high risk" as people who have various chronic medical conditions, are 65-years-old or older, are pregnant, or are younger than 5 years old.

"We urge all residents and visitors to follow the CDC's recommendations listed below to minimize the spread of the flu," said Pamela M. Blackmon, administrator of the Lafayette County Health Department.

* If you have a respiratory illness, stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community.

* Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.

* Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if soap and water are not available.

* Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.

* If you think you have the flu, please call your health care provider and discuss whether you need to be seen in their office, the emergency department or stay home.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Lafayette County Health Department at 386-294-1321. Additional sources of H1N1 information include the CDC's flu website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or the Florida Department of Health flu website at www.myflusafety.com. The Florida Department of Health flu hotline has live operators available from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 7 days a week to answer questions and has recorded flu messages available 24 hours a day 7 days a week at 1-877-352-3581.

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