The recent H1N1 flu outbreak is making news headlines worldwide. Numerous global organizations are monitoring this dynamic and ever-changing situation with a watchful eye to provide timely, comprehensive updates. However, these efforts expand beyond groups such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The El Paso County Department of Health and Environment also plays a critical role in monitoring potential health risks, educating the public, coordinating emergency response efforts with public safety agencies and providing timely updates to community organizations and health care service providers.H1N1 flu, also known as swine flu, is a respiratory disease that spreads person to person. You cannot get H1N1 flu from eating pork or pork products.As the number of H1N1 flu cases increases, WHO has raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to nearly unprecedented levels. A pandemic occurs when there is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new virus appears or “emerges” in the human population, causes serious illness, and then spreads easily from person to person worldwide. In response to this growing health concern, the Health Department has activated its emergency preparedness incident command system and is collaborating with local emergency management leaders. We have increased our communication and collaborative efforts with health care providers, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, schools, child care centers and others to keep them apprised of the evolving situation and guide them on appropriate activities and measures.Given the global presence of the virus, we were not surprised that the number of lab-confirmed H1N1 flu cases is growing within Colorado. The El Paso County Health Department has identified and mobilized response staff appropriate to meet the demands of the current situation. Our efforts remain focused on protecting the community through increased monitoring of severe respiratory illness rates and prevention measures aimed at stopping the spread of disease. We continue to be in contact with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and federal authorities.It’s important to understand that at this time in the United States the H1N1 flu is acting like seasonal flu. The symptoms of seasonal and H1N1 flu in people include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 flu infection. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.H1N1 flu is a disease that has not previously been identified in humans; therefore, humans lack any built-up immunity against the disease. There is no vaccine available. However, there are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. The following measures will help protect your health:
- Stay home if you are sick or have a fever and respiratory problems.
- 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 hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
