Full Notification

There have been several suspected cases of 2009 H1N1 Influenza (formerly called Swine Flu) reported within the Wayne County Community this week. This is an anticipated development in the world-wide H1N1 Pandemic. The Wayne County Health Department, Reid Hospital, state and local government agencies, schools, colleges, childcare centers, local businesses and public safety agencies have plans and procedures in place to handle this flu outbreak. Your support and assistance is critical to help to minimize the spread of the flu virus in our community. Below are the most important things everyone needs to know:

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy:
A vaccine against the H1N1 Flu is not expected to be available until later this fall. It is very important to take common-sense steps to limit the spread of the virus. Make good hygiene a habit.
• Avoid people who are sick. Stay 6 feet away from non-family members who are coughing or sneezing.
• Stay at home if you are sick. Avoid spreading the virus to others. CALL your personal physician FIRST if you think you have the flu.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective if soap and water is not available
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Put used tissues in a wastebasket.
• Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you don't have a tissue.
• Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing. Use soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaners.
• Keep frequently touched surfaces clean.

Get informed NOW about the H1N1 Flu. On the internet visit:
www.cdc.gov/h1n1
Stay informed. The CDC updates it’s website regularly with new information.

2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You: What you need to know NOW: http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

Symptoms of the H1N1 Flu: H1N1 is quite contagious, as are other forms of influenza. The symptoms of H1N1 flu include a fever of 100 degrees F or more, accompanied by cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

If you feel the onset of flu-like symptoms, CALL your family doctor FIRST. Follow your doctor’s advice concerning treatment. Do NOT go to school or work until you are fever-free without medication for twenty-four hours.

What to Do If You Get Flu-Like Symptoms: Follow the CDC recommendations at: http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm

Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home: See care guidelines at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm

Emergency Warning Signs
If you or a loved one becomes ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek immediate emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting with others
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

A Flu Emergency Plan for Individuals and Families: It is important for YOU to have a plan to help you through this outbreak. For planning considerations see:
http://www.flu.gov/individual/index.html

If you need more information about what to do to protect yourself and your family in this H1N1 Flu outbreak, please call:

• 211 – The information and referral service operated by the Area 9 Agency (anytime, 24 hours a day)

• (765) 973-9245 – Wayne County Health Department (8 AM to 5 PM, Monday – Friday)

• (765) 973-9399 – Wayne County Emergency Management Agency (8 AM to 5 PM, Monday – Friday)