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First confirmed case of swine flu in the county
COLUMBIA COUNTY - On Saturday, the Columbia County Health Department confirmed the county's first positive case of the H1N1 swine flu. In a press release, the department said the case was mild and the patient is expected to make a full recovery. No other details were given about the individual.
The Health Department has been using the emergency preparedness plan already in place that includes increased surveillance, protocols, education and awareness in conjunction with the New York state Health Department, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Similar cases have been reported in other areas of the state.
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. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) have been reported with swine flu infection in people.
Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. The public is encouraged to call their primary care physician first if you are experiencing any of the symptoms.
The Columbia County Health Department reminds everyone that you can help to prevent the spread of flu by washing hands often, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, if possible staying home from work or school when you are sick, covering your cough or sneeze, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Most flu patients can be cared for at home with supportive treatment to reduce their temperature and maintain an adequate fluid intake. The department warns caregivers to remember children should not be given aspirin to reduce pain or fever because it could cause a rare but potentially serious condition called Reye's Syndrome.
Flu patients who have difficulty breathing or who suffer dehydration do require medical intervention.
Caregivers should be aware that children can become dehydrated in a short amount of time.
Things to be concerned about include dry mouth and tongue, lack of tears, dark circles or sunken eyes, decreased urine output and lethargy (extreme drowsiness or pronounced lack of interest).
If these circumstances occur, call your health care provider.
Call 911 if your healthcare provider cannot be reached.
For information on caring for a flu patient at home, visit www.nyhealth.gov.
Columbia County residents can call 518-828-1212 to reach a hot line number as a point of contact for all questions about the H1N1 swine flu only.
Residents are also encouraged to visit any of the following Web sites for the most current, updated information on swine flu: www.nyhealth.gov, www.cdc.gov, www.columbiacountyny.com, or www.who.int.
The Health Department has been using the emergency preparedness plan already in place that includes increased surveillance, protocols, education and awareness in conjunction with the New York state Health Department, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Similar cases have been reported in other areas of the state.
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. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) have been reported with swine flu infection in people.
Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. The public is encouraged to call their primary care physician first if you are experiencing any of the symptoms.
The Columbia County Health Department reminds everyone that you can help to prevent the spread of flu by washing hands often, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, if possible staying home from work or school when you are sick, covering your cough or sneeze, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Most flu patients can be cared for at home with supportive treatment to reduce their temperature and maintain an adequate fluid intake. The department warns caregivers to remember children should not be given aspirin to reduce pain or fever because it could cause a rare but potentially serious condition called Reye's Syndrome.
Flu patients who have difficulty breathing or who suffer dehydration do require medical intervention.
Caregivers should be aware that children can become dehydrated in a short amount of time.
Things to be concerned about include dry mouth and tongue, lack of tears, dark circles or sunken eyes, decreased urine output and lethargy (extreme drowsiness or pronounced lack of interest).
If these circumstances occur, call your health care provider.
Call 911 if your healthcare provider cannot be reached.
For information on caring for a flu patient at home, visit www.nyhealth.gov.
Columbia County residents can call 518-828-1212 to reach a hot line number as a point of contact for all questions about the H1N1 swine flu only.
Residents are also encouraged to visit any of the following Web sites for the most current, updated information on swine flu: www.nyhealth.gov, www.cdc.gov, www.columbiacountyny.com, or www.who.int.
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