(LITTLE ROCK) — While the national publicity surrounding the novel H1N1 influenza virus (Swine Flu) has lessened and the illness is milder than what scientists feared at first, the disease is still spreading. Dr. Paul Halverson, Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) director and state health officer, said, “The good news is that the cases being reported are mild; however, we know we have more influenza in our state than what is being reported. Currently, we are only testing citizens that are considered high risk to see if they have the virus. However, we want all Arkansans to continue to take preventive measures.”
High risk individuals include children younger than five years of age, pregnant women and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions like diabetes and asthma. People working in healthcare settings are also at greater risk.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that there are probably a million plus unreported cases in the United States.
According to Dr. Sandra Snow, ADH Communicable Disease and Immunization Branch, “Even though the H1N1 influenza virus is mild, the Health Department always treats the flu seriously. Roughly 36,000 Americans die from complications of the seasonal flu each year, and we have seen 172 deaths in the U.S. from Swine Flu so far. Arkansas has 42 persons that tested positive for H1N1 influenza virus, but we know we have many more cases. Tragically, we may see some deaths in Arkansas in the future. We would especially caution high risk individuals to take preventive measures.”
Snow said, “Right now, the Swine Flu virus is acting like a virus we might see during a typical flu season. But, we are concerned with how the virus might mutate. The CDC and World Health Organization are monitoring countries in the southern hemisphere because they are experiencing winter climates currently. They are seeing an uptick in cases. It’s unknown what the virus will do in the fall in the United States. We want Arkansans to continue to take preventive steps and not become complacent.”
The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Arkansans can take these 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 hand cleaners are also effective.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
· Stay home and call your physician if you get sick. The ADH recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
The ADH will be conducting mass vaccination clinics for seasonal flu in the fall. All Arkansans are encouraged to get their seasonal flu shots every year. Additionally, the federal government is working with vaccine manufacturers to develop a vaccine for H1N1 influenza. When that vaccine is delivered to Arkansas, the Health Department will make those flu shots available, as well.
For more information on Novel H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) and seasonal flu, click on www.healthyarkansas.com or www.cdc.gov.
