From the City of Kent, May 1, 2009: Information on Swine Flu
The City’s PIO team and Chiefs Schneider and Strachan met with John Hodgson this morning to review and discuss the City’s plans to communicate and respond to developments pertaining to swine flu. We hope you find the following information useful.
As you may have heard, ten possible cases of influenza A (H1N1), also known as “swine flu”, have been identified in King County. These are part of the 13 total possible cases in Washington State. Laboratory samples have been sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and King County Public Health is currently waiting for final confirmation as to what type of “bug” these people have. Confirmation is not expected until the end of this weekend.
Dr. Jeff Duchin, Director of Communicable Disease Control for Public Health Seattle and King County, states that the risk of getting swine flu in Washington is low. And the risk of getting seriously ill is extremely low, especially if we each play our role in keeping ourselves healthy. At this point, what is happening is very similar to a typical flu season, which is good news, but we need to be proactive.
Kent’s Emergency Management team, PIO’s and Police and Fire are prepared to support King County’s efforts to address the “swine flu” outbreak. We are taking part in regular regional conference calls to obtain up-to-date information and have posted current and accurate information to our Web site (www.kingcounty.gov/health/swineflu) for yours and the public’s use. The site includes detailed information on influenza and what you can do right now to protect and care for your family. Please take a few minutes to check it out.
Captain Kyle O’hashi plans to be on hand to address media inquiries and to keep us informed of any new developments over the weekend.
As individuals, each of us can help limit the spread of the flu virus by staying informed, and being vigilant about doing what we’re already supposed to do….washing our hands, covering our coughs, staying home when we’re sick, and if you’re a parent, it is important that you have a childcare plan in place if your child’s school or day care is temporarily closed.
On a conference call this morning, King County Public Health officials urge that if any members of your family develop mild flu-like symptoms, it is not necessary to see a health care provider, but they should stay home from work or school due to the stress on the medical system. They added if symptoms are more severe (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches), you are encouraged to call your health care provider to discuss if you need to be seen, since it is especially important for the person to stay home.
We are committed to keeping you informed of any new developments and other important information.
Frequently Asked Questions—H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
What is H1N1 flu?
H1N1 virus, also known as “swine flu” and “swine Influenza A” is a virus that can spread from people who are infected to others through coughs and sneezes. When people cough or sneeze, they spread germs through the air or onto surfaces that other people may touch. H1N1 virus is not transmitted from pigs to humans or from eating pork products.
What should I do to keep from getting the H1N1 virus?
First and most important: wash your hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
What are the symptoms of H1N1 virus?
The symptoms of H1N1 virus in people are similar to seasonal flu: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
Are there medicines for H1N1 flu?
Yes, there are antiviral medicines to help treat the H1N1 virus. These prescription medicines work best if started within 2 days of flu symptoms. A health care provider must determine whether someone is sick enough to need the medication. There is currently no vaccine to prevent H1N1 virus.
What should I do if I am sick?
• Stay home from work or school and don’t travel. Get better and keep others from getting sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your inner elbow when you cough or sneeze.• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
How should I decide if I should seek medical care?
People should make decisions about when to seek medical care as they would under normal
circumstances. Consult with a health care provider or seek medical care for the following:
• fever for three days or more with no explanation
• rapidly worsening illness• person is unresponsive and unable to get out of bed
• bad sore throat or severe cough
• chest pain
If you need medical care and don’t have a medical provider or health insurance, call the Community
Health Access Program at 800-756-5437. You will not be asked to provide proof of your immigration status.
For more information and on-going updates:
Public Health – Seattle & King County, www.kingcounty.gov/health/swineflu
Public Information line, 206-296-4949
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), www.cdc.gov/swineflu
CDC 24 hour info line, 800-232-4636, 888-232-6348 TTY
Washington State Department of Health, www.doh.wa.gov/swineflu
