Human cases of the 2009 H1N1 flu virus (initially known as swine flu) have been identified in Greenwood County, as well as in other counties in the State of South Carolina. This virus can also be found in additional states and internationally. This situation is of high concern for public health officials because it is a novel virus - one that we have never seen in humans before - so it is unlikely that anyone has a natural immunity to it.
What is Greenwood County doing in response?
Greenwood County Emergency Management Services is working closely with Region 1 office of the South Carolina Department of Health and environmental Control, as well as local health departments, and area hospitals. The common goal during this public health emergency is to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to assist health care providers, public health officials and the public in addressing the challenges posed by this newly identified influenza virus.
What symptoms should I be alert to?
The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in humans are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include:
Body aches
Coughing
Sore throat
Respiratory congestion
In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting
What should I do if I have symptoms?
Individuals with the above symptoms should contact their physician, who will determine whether testing or treatment is needed.
What else can I do?
Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to co-workers and friends.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.
Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest and exercise.
Above all, stay informed and stay aware.
Check this website often for updates and further information.
Antiviral Treatment: "Clinical judgment is an important factor in treatment decisions. Most patients who have had 2009 H1N1 virus infection have had a self-limited respiratory illness similar to typical seasonal influenza. Persons with suspected 2009 H1N1 influenza or seasonal influenza who present with an uncomplicated febrile illness generally do not require treatment. However, some groups appear to be at increased risk of influenza-related complications. Local public health authorities might provide additional
guidance about prioritizing treatment within groups at higher risk for severe infection."
"Treatment is recommended for all hospitalized patients with confirmed, probable, or suspected 2009 H1N1 or seasonal influenza. Treatment generally is recommended for patients who are at higher risk for
influenza-related complications:
Children younger than 5 years old. However, the risk for severe
complications from seasonal influenza is highest among children younger
than 2 years old.
Adults 65 years of age or older
Pregnant women
Persons with the following conditions:
Chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except
hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological (including sickle cell
disease), neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders
(including diabetes mellitus);
Immunosuppression, including that caused by medications or by HIV;
Persons younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy, because of an increased risk for Reye syndrome. Treatment should not await laboratory confirmation because laboratory testing can sometimes delay treatment and because a negative rapid test does not rule out influenza.
"Get medical care right away if the sick person at home: has difficulty breathing or chest pain has purple or blue discoloration of the lips is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down has signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry has seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions) is less responsive than normal or becomes confused"
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