Confirmed case of H1N1 flu reported in Union County

The first confirmed case of H1N1 (swine) flu involving a Union County resident has been reported.

Southern Seven Health Department reported Friday, July 31, that it had been notified by the Illinois Department of Public Health that a Union County resident had been diagnosed with the H1N1 flu.

The patient is a 30-year-old male who is recovering. The health department is conducting "a routine communicable disease investigation" in connection with the diagnosis.

"Because of the number of confirmed cases in Illinois and several in the surrounding region, this was not unexpected and is no cause for alarm," Southern Seven Health Department executive director Nancy Holt stated in a news release.

"We encourage everyone to continue to practice good hygiene in order to avoid infection and stop the spread of the virus."

Holt said that everyone should:

•Wash their hands frequently with soap and water, especially after a cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based sanitizers also are effective.

•Cover their nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze. Then, throw the tissue away.

•Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

•Avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth; this is how germs are spread.

•Those who get sick with flu-like symptoms should stay home from work or school, and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Holt said the signs and symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

Some people have reported nausea, vomiting and diarrhea associated with H1N1 flu.

Those who think they might have the flu are advised to contact their health care provider immediately and to avoid contact with others.

Even though local schools are not in session yet, parents are reminded to keep children home from day camps, Vacation Bible Schools, day care and group activities if the child has a fever and other symptoms or flu-like symptoms.

Groups which sponsor children's events are advised to screen for illness, isolate staff and children who are ill and send them home.

Promotion of good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing and covering of coughs, is encouraged.

The health department also recommends that alcohol-based hand sanitizers be available for use.

For continually updated information about the flu, visit the health department's website at <a href="http://www.southern7.org">www.southern7.org</a>.

The site provides links to additional state and federal websites.

For specific information about the flu, interested persons can contact the health department at 618-634-2297.