Whatcom County Health Department officials are working closely with City and County emergency managers, St. Joseph Hospital, school districts and many others to keep area residents informed about the 2009 H1N1 influenza (earlier referred to as “swine flu”), to prevent its spread and to prepare for impacts if there is widespread illness.
Typically, influenza outbreaks occur no earlier than mid-December. This year, health officials say, the virus has remained active over the summer and we may see outbreaks in the fall.
Health officials are paying particular attention to the potential for outbreaks in schools – colleges and universities as well as k-12 schools – as well as other places where young people gather. This is because the H1N1 virus appears to be disproportionately affecting children and young adults.
Right now, the H1N1 virus does not appear to be causing severe disease, with the exception of individuals with asthma or other underlying health conditions, although this could change. Local officials are working closely with the Whatcom County Health Department to monitor flu conditions and make decisions about the best steps to take to prepare and protect our community.
Flu is easily spread from person to person. Health officials have stated that the most important step to prevent flu outbreaks is for sick people to stay home. Please stay home if you are ill, and keep your children home from school, daycare and other activities if they are ill. Symptoms of the flu include:
The Whatcom County Health Department, St. Joseph Hospital, and City of Bellingham have created a joint website where officials will maintain local information, guidance, and links to many other state and federal sources of information.
For more information visit www.flu.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO. Other good sources of information include the Washington State Department of Health and the local news media.
Posted: Sep 14, 2009
