Swine Flu Information
David Goldsmith
Wesley Hills
The Rockland County Department of Health is continuing to closely monitor flu activity in Rockland County. Health Department staff are investigating 2 suspected cases of swine flu in Rockland residents who have traveled to Mexico, been ill over the past several days and are now recovering. These are suspected cases, and the Health Department is expecting to hear within the next few days if they have been confirmed as actual cases of swine flu.
The swine flu outbreak continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports additional cases of confirmed swine flu, a number of hospitalizations and one death from swine flu in the U.S. The current U.S. total of confirmed cases, as of 2 P.M. on 4/29/09 is 91.
It is important to note that according to Dr. Richard Besser, acting director of the CDC, " this flu virus in the United States, as we're looking at it, is not acting very differently from what we saw during the flu season Seasonal flu each year causes tens of thousands of deaths in this country -- on average, about 36,000 deaths.”
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
Spread of this swine flu 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. Swine flu is NOT transmitted by eating pork or pork products.
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy:
· First and most important - wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough, sneeze or spit. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
· Avoid close contact with sick people.
· Clean shared space more often such as phone receivers, keyboards, steering wheels and office equipment.
· In addition - try to stay in good general health - get plenty of seep, be physically active, manage your stress,
drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
If you become ill with flu-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school, limit contact with others to keep from infecting them and contact your health care provider. If you experience severe symptoms seek medical care.
If you would like more information about the swine flu visit the County website at www.rocklandgov.com and click on the swine flu icon, or call
(845) 364- 2534 or (845) 364-2538. Automated information is also available on the Rockland County Residents’ Information service at 364-8990.
We encourage you to share the information in this email with your friends, neighbors and family.
Please print and share with employees who do not have email.
Jennifer Barrett
Fire & Emergency Services
35 Firemen's Memorial Drive
Pomona, NY 10970
Phone (845) 364-8800
Fax (845) 364-8961
