Some cases of H1N1 (swine) flu recently have been reported in Michigan. Although there are no known cases at Montcalm Community College, officials urge students, staff and community members to take precautions against the disease.
“We don’t want folks to panic, but just take extra precautions such as washing your hands frequently to help prevent the spread of the disease,” said MCC Vice President for Administrative Services James Lantz. “We are aware of some swine flu in Michigan and we will work with our health department officials to monitor the situation locally.”
Swine flu, a respiratory disease of pigs, first was detected in the United States in April.
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 – and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
According to the Mid-Michigan District Health Department, spread of the H1N1 virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Everyone is urged to precautions against the flu including:
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
· 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 stay in good general health.
· Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods.
· Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
· If you become ill with influenza, health officials recommend that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
· Talk with your health care providers about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu.
Also, if you are at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu, you should consider getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. People at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes. For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm.
People with the H1N1 virus should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and for up to seven days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, may potentially be contagious for longer periods.
Visit the Mid-Michigan District Health Department Web site at http://www.mmdhd.org/, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm or www.flu.gov for more information.