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Local News

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

CLARIFIED: Arrival of H1N1 virus uneventful so far, officials say
Home Savings and Loan Co.
By DENISE GRANT

Staff Writer

So far, the arrival of the H1N1 virus locally remains unconfirmed and uneventful.

Health officials say there have been no hospitalizations attributed to swine flu, and schools officials are reporting only minor jumps in absenteeism.

So far, so good.

"We've only had a few absences," said Mark Verhe, superintendent of Carey Schools. "That was me finding some wood to knock on."

The same is true for most other area schools.

"To my knowledge, we have not had any confirmed or suspected cases of anyone, student or staff, having the H1N1 flu virus. Our absences have increased in the last few weeks, but are not numbers we are overly concerned about at this time," said Kevin Haught, superintendent of Arlington Schools.

On Monday, Findlay City school officials began advising staff members that the H1N1 virus is probably already in the city schools. At least eight city school children have tested positive for Type A influenza, most likely the swine flu. It would take further testing to specifically identify the flu strain.

Barb Wilhelm, deputy health commissioner of the Findlay Board of Health, said that type of testing won't be done unless someone is hospitalized for flu-like symptoms.

Those who suspect they have already had the swine flu should talk to their doctor about the need to be vaccinated.

"We aren't too worried about what type of flu it is now. We wanted to know at first, because we were checking to make sure it (swine flu) was really out there, but now, we know it is," Wilhelm said. "... We are seeing a lot of visits to the emergency room and the acute care system."

She said the flu usually moves through a population in "waves," and there is most likely more to come. The health department is monitoring numbers at the schools, hospitals and acute care centers.

For now, Wilhelm rests a little easier knowing many Hancock County residents who are at high risk of developing complications from the H1N1 flu have been vaccinated. That group includes pregnant women; those living with or caring for children younger than 6 months; direct health care workers and emergency medical services personnel; anyone between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old; and people 25-64 years old with a chronic illness.

A total of 1,629 vaccines were given during a four-hour clinic Sunday at Findlay High School. Workers from both city and county health departments and about 40 volunteers helped keep the lines moving.

Wilhelm thanked city school officials for use of Findlay High School, which may be the only public site big enough to accommodate the long lines and parking, she said.

The Centers for Disease Control offer the following advice for caring for people with H1N1 flu at home.

• Check with a health care provider about any special care needs in case of pregnancy or with health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma or emphysema.

• Check with their health care provider about the need for antiviral medications.

• Keep sick people away from others as much as possible. Do not go to work or school while ill.

• Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone, except to seek medical care or for other necessities.

• Get plenty of rest.

• Drink clear fluids, such as water, broth, sports drinks and electrolyte beverages for infants to keep from being dehydrated.

• Cover coughs and sneezes. Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

• Wear a face mask, if available and tolerable, when sharing common spaces with other household members to help prevent spreading the virus to others. This is especially important if other household members are at high risk for complications from influenza.

• Be watchful for emergency warning signs.

Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to those of seasonal flu, and can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

A significant number of people who have been infected with this new H1N1 virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

Those concerned about symptom severity should contact their regular doctor.

Symptoms that require urgent medical attention include having trouble breathing, severe or persistent vomiting, and not waking up or interacting.

The CDC's advice on staying well is as follows:

• 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 if 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.

• If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer.

The CDC said Tamiflu and Relenza can be used against H1N1. The drugs work best if given within two days of becoming ill, but may be given later if illness is severe or for those at high risk of complications.

On the Net:

www. cdc.gov.



Grant: 419-427-8412,

Send an e-mail to Denise Grant



EDITOR'S NOTE: This version clarifies a high-risk category of those with chronic illness is limited to people between the ages of 25 and 64.
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3 Comments

Latest comments listed first.
John Q Citizen wrote:
Vaccinations
“ WOW!!!
Prisoners get the swine flu vaccination before the public does.. This is GREAT stuff folks.. I see now where I fall on the food chain.. Somewhere between who cares and below incarcinated convicted felons.. Who do I voice my complaints to about this..C'mon!..seriously..prisoners before my 2 year old! ”
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 8:27:27 PM
ONLINE EDITOR wrote:
Reply to "amy"
“ An H1N1 vaccination clinic will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1 at Liberty-Benton High School. See Thursday's Courier for details. ”
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 1:56:05 PM
amy favreau wrote:
h1n1 shot clinic this weekend
“ I am asthmatic and have 3 kids 13, 6 and 3 (with heart surgery PDA fixed this past may) i need to get us vacinated. Is there a clinic this weeekend in findlay? please let me know wasnt able to make the last clinic! ”
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 1:33:29 PM
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