Update on Flu

1 – West Georgia Health System message: The Centers for Disease and Infection Control have confirmed a case of swine-like influenza in LaGrange. The patient is not from this area and had recently returned from a trip to Mexico. The patient has been in isolation since entering West Georgia Health System. People who have had contact with the patient are being notified by public health. The hospital is fully operational and is taking every precaution to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients, families, visitors, and employees. Community members can call the District 4 Public Health hotline at: 1-888-899-9788 with questions or for general information.

2 – Troup County Board of Education message: Based on the most current information, we have no indication that students and staff are at a greater risk for infection by remaining in school than the general public at this time. However, as we continue to work closely with District IV Health Services, we encourage you to stay tuned to our website and local media for information on possible school closings should this become necessary. We need your help to prevent the spread of illness in our schools – not just swine influenza A (H1N1) virus, but any kind of virus. There are everyday actions you can take to stay healthy, and please encourage your children to follow these simple steps, too.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If your child gets sick, please keep them home from school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. If your child is ill and has recently traveled to an area affected by swine flu, or has been in contact with someone who has been infected with swine flu, contact your child’s healthcare provider immediately.

3 – State Department of Health teleconference today:
Seasonal flu is still around. Symptoms are the same – fever, chills, aching body, cough, sneeze. If you have these symptoms, contact your health care provider for instructions. If you don’t have these symptoms, you probably don’t have the flu. The flu is transmitted by close contact with respiratory secretions – by air or on surfaces. Follow the school board instructions above to prevent the spread. The incubation period for the flu can be from one to seven days.

For information on flu, see the American Red Cross website at www.redcross.org. You may also look for updates at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ and www.district4health.org.