MONROE - "Wash your hands, cover your mouth and stay home if you feel ill" could be the battle cry this back-to-school season as local health officials launch an all-out offensive to stem the spread of the H1N1 pandemic flu virus.
The H1N1 flu virus first was detected in the United States in April and is commonly called "swine flu" because it appeared to be similar to influenza viruses found in North American pigs. The virus spreads rapidly from person to person, mainly through coughing and sneezing by infected individuals. It is called a pandemic flu because it is a highly infectious strain that can cause a global outbreak. People have little natural immunity, allowing the virus to spread quickly, according to pandemic.wisconsin.gov, the state's Web site devoted to H1N1 information.
The CDC reports as of Aug. 20, there had been 522 deaths and almost 8,000 people hospitalized as a result of H1N1 across the nation. Cases have been found in all 50 states.
In Wisconsin, there have been 4,583 confirmed cases and 1,814 probable cases, for a total of 6,397, according the state's Web site. Locally, there have been three confirmed cases of H1N1 in Green County and none in Lafayette County, as of Aug. 19. Rock County has 46 confirmed cases and four probable cases for a total of 50, while Dane County has 599 total cases.
Health officials across the nation have been on high alert as students head back into the classroom because children and young people up to age 24 are at risk.
Even though the incidence of H1N1 has been relatively low in Green County, that could change rapidly, said Roanne Warden, director of the Green County Health Department.
"It doesn't stay within county lines," she said of H1N1, pointing out that Milwaukee and Madison, just a short commute away, have had high incidence rates.
"There's a very good chance of an outbreak" in Green County this fall, she said.
The vaccine for the seasonal flu won't protect against H1N1, but the health department anticipates receiving the H1N1 vaccine sometime in October, she said.
"We're not sure when (it will arrive) or if there will be enough," Warden said, so the vaccine will first go to high-risk groups. The first target groups to receive the vaccine are people 6 months to 24 years old; young pregnant women; adults who are 25 to 64 with chronic health conditions such as asthma; and parents and caregivers of infants less than 6 months old.
Beyond that, Warden recommended people follow common-sense guidelines such as washing hands frequently and covering coughs and sneezes. She also advised people to consider how they will handle it if someone in their household does become ill. This means planning for childcare and stockpiling adequate food and medication to last a week, should they need to stay at home.
If someone does become ill, has a fever or experiences a sore throat, Warden advises calling your health care provider first before heading to the hospital or clinic to discuss symptoms.
Monroe Clinic is readying itself for a barrage of patients. It has plans to deal with an increase in patient illness and even set up alternative clinics if necessary. "The clinic also has an ample supply of personal protective equipment and anti-viral medications available," according to the Clinic's community relations department.
The Clinic also is working with the health department and will be offering vaccines at its various clinics throughout the region. Its occupational health department is working with local businesses to offer on-site vaccinations.
Monroe Clinic is collaborating with community experts to educate the public about H1N1 in a panel discussion titled "H1N1 Community Updates: Swine Flu Facts From Experts Who Know" at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28 in Founder's Hall at Monroe Clinic. The panel discussion will include Mary Flynn, a nurse in Infection Control, Monroe Clinic; Tanna McKeon, Project Manager, Green County Emergency Management; Dr. C.J. Smith, Family Practice, Monroe Clinic; Lori Soderberg, nurse for the School District of Monroe; and Warden. The discussion is free. To register, call (877) 865-1462 or online at monroeclinic.org.
The H1N1 flu virus first was detected in the United States in April and is commonly called "swine flu" because it appeared to be similar to influenza viruses found in North American pigs. The virus spreads rapidly from person to person, mainly through coughing and sneezing by infected individuals. It is called a pandemic flu because it is a highly infectious strain that can cause a global outbreak. People have little natural immunity, allowing the virus to spread quickly, according to pandemic.wisconsin.gov, the state's Web site devoted to H1N1 information.
The CDC reports as of Aug. 20, there had been 522 deaths and almost 8,000 people hospitalized as a result of H1N1 across the nation. Cases have been found in all 50 states.
In Wisconsin, there have been 4,583 confirmed cases and 1,814 probable cases, for a total of 6,397, according the state's Web site. Locally, there have been three confirmed cases of H1N1 in Green County and none in Lafayette County, as of Aug. 19. Rock County has 46 confirmed cases and four probable cases for a total of 50, while Dane County has 599 total cases.
Health officials across the nation have been on high alert as students head back into the classroom because children and young people up to age 24 are at risk.
Even though the incidence of H1N1 has been relatively low in Green County, that could change rapidly, said Roanne Warden, director of the Green County Health Department.
"It doesn't stay within county lines," she said of H1N1, pointing out that Milwaukee and Madison, just a short commute away, have had high incidence rates.
"There's a very good chance of an outbreak" in Green County this fall, she said.
The vaccine for the seasonal flu won't protect against H1N1, but the health department anticipates receiving the H1N1 vaccine sometime in October, she said.
"We're not sure when (it will arrive) or if there will be enough," Warden said, so the vaccine will first go to high-risk groups. The first target groups to receive the vaccine are people 6 months to 24 years old; young pregnant women; adults who are 25 to 64 with chronic health conditions such as asthma; and parents and caregivers of infants less than 6 months old.
Beyond that, Warden recommended people follow common-sense guidelines such as washing hands frequently and covering coughs and sneezes. She also advised people to consider how they will handle it if someone in their household does become ill. This means planning for childcare and stockpiling adequate food and medication to last a week, should they need to stay at home.
If someone does become ill, has a fever or experiences a sore throat, Warden advises calling your health care provider first before heading to the hospital or clinic to discuss symptoms.
Monroe Clinic is readying itself for a barrage of patients. It has plans to deal with an increase in patient illness and even set up alternative clinics if necessary. "The clinic also has an ample supply of personal protective equipment and anti-viral medications available," according to the Clinic's community relations department.
The Clinic also is working with the health department and will be offering vaccines at its various clinics throughout the region. Its occupational health department is working with local businesses to offer on-site vaccinations.
Monroe Clinic is collaborating with community experts to educate the public about H1N1 in a panel discussion titled "H1N1 Community Updates: Swine Flu Facts From Experts Who Know" at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28 in Founder's Hall at Monroe Clinic. The panel discussion will include Mary Flynn, a nurse in Infection Control, Monroe Clinic; Tanna McKeon, Project Manager, Green County Emergency Management; Dr. C.J. Smith, Family Practice, Monroe Clinic; Lori Soderberg, nurse for the School District of Monroe; and Warden. The discussion is free. To register, call (877) 865-1462 or online at monroeclinic.org.