Since the beginning of the 2009 Swine Flu Pandemic, the disease has been in the back of people's minds. In Connecticut, according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, the H1N1 virus is widespread.
Worldwide, swine flu has killed 429 people and in the U.S., including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, 170 people.
In Connecticut more than 1,900 cases of swine flu have been confirmed, and nine people with underlying medical issues have died.
The governor, Gov. M. Jodi Rell, says Connecticut will get about 500,000 doses when the H1N1 vaccine becomes available in mid-October, and it will receive about 200,000 doses every week afterward. The H1N1 vaccine is given in two doses 21 to 28 days apart.
The virus mainly spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people who already have the H1N1 virus. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something - such as a surface or object - with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Symptoms of the 2009 H1N1 flu virus are fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
The Center of Disease Control and Prevention enforce the following procedures to protect from contracting the virus:
•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 after 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 flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (The fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
•Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
•Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hotline is also available at 1-800-232-4636 and is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
:)
Matt
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