The Springfield Greene County Health Department is preparing the community for a potential outbreak of the H1N1 virus. Although many people may not realize it, H1N1 is already in Springfield.
“The virus comes in waves,” said Jaci McReynolds, Public Information Administration at the Springfield Green County Health Department. “We saw the first wave from April to May. We’re at the beginning of the second. We’ll probably see a third wave around January or February.”
Although not all cases of the flu are being tested for H1N1, some cases have been confirmed.
“So far, Greene County has had six cases of H1N1,” McReynolds said. “No deaths have occurred in Greene County because of H1N1.”
As of October 6, hundreds of thousands of vaccines were slated to be released, with those with health risks first on the list
“A priority group has been established due to limited amounts of the vaccine.” McReynolds said.
“Pregnant women are first, then household contacts and caregivers of children six months or younger, children and young adults from seven months to 24, people 25 to 64 with chronic medical conditions, health care workers and first responders, and people 65 and older.”
The elderly are the first priority as far as the seasonal flu shot goes.
“With the seasonal flu, senior adults 65 and older would get the shots first, but these people have been least impacted by H1N1,” said McReynolds.
The origins of the virus are still unknown.
“It’s hard to say. It’s a dormant virus; a mutating virus,” said biology teacher Steve Yonke. “It is a flu, but it seems to be working like the common cold. It’s appearing in random selections, and is not seasonal like the regular flu. I think this one’s here to stay.”
It is importance to practice good hygiene habits, such as washing hands, using hand sanitizer, not touching your face, getting plenty of sleep and avoiding those who are already sick.
“ Hands are the connection to the rest of the world,” said Glendale nurse Teri Brader. “I believe we’re doing all we can to avoid the virus if we’re doing it right.”
Brader also believes that the flu could stay around for a while.
“We build up certain immunities over time,” she said. “Influenza is in the lungs. The difference is that H1N1 has some gastrointestinal problems, unlike seasonal flus.”
After recently being taken to the emergency room, senior Taylor Parks was put on medicine for H1N1, It cleared up quickly.
“I’m still convinced I didn’t have it,” says Parks. “The doctor told me my symptoms matched up to swine flu, but it was a real mild case. They didn’t actually give me the test for it.”
Her doctor told her that 80 percent of teens and elders will get the flu at some point, and that it’s morphing into the common cold.
Not everyone is worried about the H1N1 virus. Some students are pretty confident they will not acquire the illness.
“I’m not really concerned about it,” said sophomore Weston O’Dell. “I don’t get sick that often.”
Other students don’t think that the disease will stick around much longer.
“I don’t think it will,” says sophomore Colton Lightner. “Everyone was worried about the bird flu, and it went away.”
How can people make sure they don’t get the H1N1 virus? The vaccinations, although not required for anybody, are the best way to prevent it.
“People should get both the seasonal and H1N1 vaccinations,” said McReynolds.
‘The seasonal vaccination may not include protection against H1N1.
“It is highly advised that students who feel sick stay home and get plenty of rest,” said Brader
McReynolds suggests, “Those who are sick should stay home until the fever is gone 24 hours without the use of medications.”
While H1N1 has garnered much attention, the likelihood of getting it is closer to common flu virus concerns every year.
“Approximately 200,000 people are hospitalized each year because of the seasonal flu, and approximately 36,000 die from it,” said McReynolds. “Only around 600 people have dies in the U.S. because of H1N1. It’s just another flu virus; we should think about all the flu viruses.”