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Flu cases on rise across Alabama
Published May 7, 2009
Cases of influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) are on the rise.
The Alabama Department of Public Health announced Thursday that seven additional probable cases of the virus have been identified. All are in Madison County.
As of late Tuesday Alabama had 24 cases, four of which had been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Of the 21 total cases in Madison County 20 are children under 13 years old. The other is an adult elementary school teacher. The first reported case of the virus in Alabama was on April 22.
There have been reported cases of the virus in Montgomery, Jefferson, Pike and Shelby counties in the state.
CDC recommends schools and day care centers implement plans to focus on keeping students, faculty and staff with symptoms of influenza out of schools during their period of illness when they are potentially infectious to others. Those who exhibit symptoms of the disease should be isolated promptly before being sent home.
The ADPH does not recommend canceling large group events. Individuals who are ill should stay at home and not attend group events to avoid spreading H1N1 to others. Persons with other serious medical conditions that would put them at greater risk of contracting the disease should avoid group events.
At-risk groups of persons with medical complications of A H1N1 infections include:
• Children less than five years old
• Persons 65 years or older
• Children and adolescents (less than 18 years old) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection
• Pregnant women
• Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular or metabolic disorders
• Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or HIV)
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
Prescription antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza provide effective treatment if treatment begins within the first 48 hours of illness.
The symptoms of H1N1 influenza are similar to those of traditional influenza. They include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. The incubation period from the moment of exposure to the virus is two to seven days. Those with the illness should voluntarily isolate themselves from others. Individuals are infectious to others one day before until seven days after symptoms develop.
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