County health department is prepared for H1N1 flu strain

[May 05, 2009]  The Logan County Department of Public Health has received the shipment of anti-viral supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These supplies have been distributed to pre-position health departments in the event that county supplies are depleted during the swine flu outbreak, now referred to as the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. At this time, local pharmacies still have the antivirals necessary to help lessen the symptoms of the H1N1 virus.

"If needed, the use of these supplies will follow the guidelines issued by the CDC and the Illinois Department of Public Health," said Mark Hilliard, health department administrator. "There is no need at this time to provide mass dispensing of medications."

Currently, there are no suspect, probable or confirmed cases in Logan County.

The Logan County Department of Public Health continues to work with the local hospital and health care providers, organizations, state and federal health officials, and local government agencies to limit the spread of this disease and safeguard the health of our community.

"At this time we are still urging all residents to take preventative measures," said Shana Bean, health department emergency response coordinator.

"The best way to protect yourself and your family is by knowing the facts about H1N1 influenza, practicing infection control measures and boosting your immune system," she added.

The precautions to prevent the transmission of the H1N1 flu strain are the same as those to prevent seasonal influenza:

• CLEAN your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand gel.

• COVER your cough and sneeze with a tissue, or cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve.

• If you get sick, CONTAIN your germs by staying home, and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.

If you have the symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache and fatigue, contact your doctor.

Eating a healthy diet, including all food groups, getting a full night's sleep and exercising on a daily basis are all measures that can help boost your immune system to help fight off illness.

Stay informed. The Logan County Department of Public Health is continually working with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to keep area residents informed about this H1N1 influenza outbreak.

For more information on swine flu, visit www.lcdph.org or call the state's toll-free flu information line at 866-848-2094 (English) or 866-241-2138 (Spanish) between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily.

[Text from file received from the Logan County Department of Public Health]