Eighty-Four new Swine flu cases in NC this week

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reports 84 new cases of H1N1 (swine flu) this week. To date, two deaths have occurred, both in Guilford County. The total number of confirmed H1N1 or swine flu cases in North Carolina stands at 395.

Wake County has seen 63 cases of swine flu, the highest number of confirmed cases reported. Mecklenburg County reports seven confirmed cases. The North Carolina H1N1 report was updated today.

North Carolina is experiencing seasonal as well as H1N1 (swine flu) cases. Seasonal flu claims 1000 to 2000 lives in North Carolina annually from pneumonia that can develop as a complication of flu. Influenza is a respiratory virus spread by sneezing and coughing. H1N1 flu is spread from person to person through respiratory droplets.

Symptoms of flu, including H1N1 include fever, cough, headache, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, and general body aches.

Limiting the spread of swine flu (or any virus) is everyone’s responsibility. Wash your hands frequently. Carry antibacterial cleanser and use it when hand washing facilities are not available. Cover your nose and mouth if you sneeze or cough. If you experience symptoms, report to your doctor. If you do not have a fever, it is unlikely that you have H1N1, swine flu.

The World Health Organization declared H1N1 flu a pandemic. The first cases were recognized in April, and the virus has been spreading from human to human. Researchers are working on a vaccine for swine flu which may be available by the end of the year, but no one seems to know for certain when it might be available. There are also some safety issues being raised about H1N1 vaccine, given the hurried production.

The CDC has not issued any definitive statements about who should initially recieve swine flu vaccine, when it does become available. Challenges faced in vaccinating agains H1N1 fluy include getting the vaccine to large numbers of people in a short period of time, concurrent vaccination for seasonal flu, and the possibility of adverse events associated with a new vaccine.

Swine flu seems to primarily affect school age children and young adults. There is speculation that individuals over age 50 may have some immunity to H1N1 flu.

North Carolina officials have been gathering data on H1N1 swine flu cases. Weekly updates and resources regarding swine flu cases in North Carolina are posted at http://www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/gcdc/flu.html . Educational materials are available for families, schools, health care providers, and business at http://www.ncpanflu.gov/.