Protect yourself and others. Cover your coughs and sneezes. Wash or sanitize your hands often.
Thousands of people around the world and across the United States including hundreds in the state of North Carolina have been struck by the H1N1 virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control, flu activity is now widespread in 48 states. Nationwide, visits to doctors for influenza-like illness are increasing steeply and are now higher than peak numbers during many flu seasons. In addition, flu-related hospitalizations and deaths continue to rise nationwide. President Barack Obama has declared the H1N1 virus a national emergency.
As of Oct. 21, 2009, more than 800 people have been hospitalized in North Carolina for flu-like illnesses. As of Sept, 26, at least 12 of the total 18 flu deaths and more than 200 hospitalizations reported were attributed to laboratory-confirmed pandemic H1N1 flu.
The H1N1 virus is a contagious acute respiratory disease caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses (most commonly of the H1N1 subtype, but other subtypes – like H1N2, H3N1, and H3N2 – also circulate in pigs). Many countries routinely vaccinate swine populations against these viruses, as outbreaks among pigs are known to have occurred in several countries around the world. Until recently, transmission to humans was occasionally reported. In early 2009, several cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) were reported, the first of which occurred in Mexico, followed by several other countries, including the U.S.
Clinical presentation of swine influenza infection in humans resembles seasonal influenza and other acute upper respiratory tract infections, but presentation of the disease can also range broadly from showing no symptoms of infection to severe pneumonia resulting in death.
Here are some tips that may help you avoid the virus and help keep others from getting sick:
- 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.
- Stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100°F or 37.8°C) or signs of a fever (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®)
For more information about the virus and what WSSU is doing to deal with it, check out the WSSU Web site at http://www.wssu.edu/WSSU/About/EmergencyProcedures/H1N1+Influenza+%28Swine+Flu%29.htm.
