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Information Regarding
the Swine Influenza Outbreak
New
Castle, Pa. –
April
28, 2009
– Jameson Health System wishes to inform area residents of the
information it has to-date regarding the current swine flu scare;
to share tips for protecting oneself from the virus and how the
Health System is responding to the concern.
Human
cases of swine influenza-A virus infection have been identified in
the
United
States
and internationally. As of April 28, no cases have been reported
in
Lawrence
County
or the
commonwealth
of
Pennsylvania
.
Federal
health officials have determined that this swine influenza A
(H1N1) virus is contagious, but it is not known how easily the
virus spreads between people. Influenza typically targets young
children, immuno-compromised and elderly individuals. The current
outbreak is affecting otherwise healthy adults as well. The
infection period is one to three days before onset, and three to
nine days after onset of illness.
The
symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of
regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body
aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported
diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.
How
Residents Can Stay Healthy
The
most important tip is to wash your hands frequently. Try to stay
in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active,
manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious
food. Avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated with the
flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Jameson
Memorial
Hospital
is not limiting visitation to the hospital due to the flu virus at
this time. Again, there have been no confirmed cases in
Lawrence
County
.
As
symptomatic individuals and the “worried well” seek medical
attention, the
current
influenza outbreak will result in more individuals seeking medical
attention. Those who are concerned that they or a loved one might
have contracted the flu are encouraged to first visit their
primary care physician.
Additional
information is available at the following:
Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/swineflu
Pa.
Department of Health: http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/site/default.asp
World
Health Organization: http://www.who.int/en/
Jameson
Health System will update the public as more information is
available.
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