Legislator Schmitt: Swine Flu Health Update

I am sure that you have been made aware that there was a confirmed case of Swine Flu in Nassau County. Please find below a copy of the text of an email that I have received from the Nassau County Department of Health. Please use the information listed below as a guide and update on the disease:

Nassau County has a single confirmed case at this time. We anticipate that there will be more suspect cases because of increased surveillance and a very broad definition of suspect case.

Nassau County Department of Health is in regular communication with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the New York State Department of Health as well as hospitals, other healthcare facilities, medical societies and schools.

In order to prevent the spread of any flu-like illnesses, not just swine flu, The Department of Health recommends:

• Seek treatment as soon as you begin to feel sick with flu like symptoms. The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to those of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
• Call your health care provider first before going to a medical office or hospital emergency room to prevent further spread of illness.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• If you are sick, stay home from work, school, and errands. Limit contact with others to help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Do not use aspirin as a fever reducer in children under 18 years old because of complications that may result. Use medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

For more information, please go to: www.cdc.gov/swineflu/. For information on how to keep you and your family prepared, please go to: http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/.

We will keep you updated as new information arises. Up to date information is also available for residents on the New York State Swine Flu Hotline 1-800-808-1987.