Cobb & Douglas Public Health offers H1N1 information and advice
H1N1 has been identified in Cobb and Douglas County Schools Systems since school began two weeks ago. In light of this, and the number of cases being seen throughout the state, residents should understand that both seasonal flu and H1N1 (Swine Flu) are currently in the community, and exposure is certainly a possibility.
Cobb & Douglas Public Health want to remind residents, that while it is important that they remain vigilant in their efforts to minimize exposure, there is no need to panic. “We are working closely with State Public Health officials, Cobb & Douglas county school districts and the Centers for Disease Control, to monitor H1N1 Flu conditions and make decisions in the best interest of this community,” said Dr. Jack Kennedy, District Health Director for Cobb & Douglas Public Health.
It is also important that community members understand that not every potential case will be tested. “Because our research has clearly indicated that H1N1, as well as seasonal flu, is already in the community, we are no longer testing every case specifically for H1N1,” said Jennifer Munoz, Epidemiologist for Cobb & Douglas Public Health. “However, we will continue to monitor flu clusters, as we do with all communicable diseases,” she said.
Following state and CDC guidance, Cobb & Douglas Public Health have been working diligently with community partners such as government and school officials, medical professionals, first responders and other community partners to fine tune their plan of action in preparation for the coming months. “Because we don’t know what the future holds in terms of H1N1, we are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best,” said Pam Blackwell, Director, Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response. According to Blackwell, some of the steps that they are taking include, joining with community partners and practicing scenarios, revising Pandemic flu plans to cover any gaps that may have been discovered since onset of H1N1, and preparing with local hospitals to help with mass patient care, should it become necessary.
As more and more cases of flu like illnesses are reported Cobb & Douglas Public Health encourage residents that the best protection is to follow the recommended guidelines for reducing the spread of germs to prevent illness, to take care of yourself and stay away from others if you do get sick.
CDPH officials stress that the best defense when dealing with the unknown is to remember the things they do know. “The importance of individual and family preparedness can not be overstated,” said Blackwell. “That includes looking out for neighbors and ensuring there is extra food and medicines for family members and pets,” she continued.
Here are a few other things that everyone should know. Influenza, including H1N1 flu, is a respiratory disease that spreads from person to person. The main symptoms are fever, cough and sore throat – typical flu-like symptoms. If you or a member of your family should show these symptoms, contact your health care provider for evaluation. You can help prevent the spread of the disease by following healthy practices, such as:
- Staying home from school or work if ill. (Students and staff will remain at home until fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.)
- Avoiding close contact with those who are ill.
- Hand Hygiene – washing your hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizers often.
- Covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Practicing good health habits, i.e., getting plenty of sleep, physical activity, fluids, nutritious eating and managing stress.
- CDPH also encourages everyone to get your seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available.
CDPH also want to reiterate that it is important to stay informed. Individuals can stay informed by visiting our website at www.cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org. “We have tried to set our website up in a manner that will allow anyone: medical personnel, parents, students and faculty and community members, to find the information they need to stay informed,” said Blackwell.
“Cobb & Douglas Public Health has been planning, practicing and preparing for this type of scenario for several years, and while we don’t have all the answers, we do have a plan in place that we believe will address the needs of this community,” said Dr. Kennedy.