Last spring's run-in with the H1N1 virus was met largely by indifference from a general public that has developed something of an immunity to epidemic warnings. Many people likened "swine flu" to previous scares - bird flu, SARS and mad cow disease - that carried more bark than bite in the United States.
While a large portion of the general public scoffed at the news reporting and warnings, health officials locally and nationwide were diligent in trying to stay ahead of any potential outbreak.
Ultimately, H1N1 made only a moderate impact in the spring. Wisconsin actually led the nation in incidents last spring, but there only were three confirmed cases in Green County.
All the while, however, there was a cautioning that the inevitable return of H1N1 in the fall could be much more dangerous to many more people. Now, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services is reporting that influenza activity is on the rise across the state. Nationwide, more than half of all states are reporting widespread flu cases.
Again on Monday, local health officials showed they are on top of the situation. During a program on Monday at Monroe Clinic's Founders Hall, local health care and emergency management experts discussed H1N1 status, projections and precautions. Mary Flynn, coordinator of Monroe Clinic's infection control, told people to expect the H1N1 pandemic to last two to three years and occur in several waves.
But the biggest takeaway from Monday's program was that, no matter how much health officials work to inform and assist the public regarding H1N1, the severity of the pandemic locally will depend on the diligence of members of the general public.
Specifically, if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, stay home. Don't send a sick child to school. Don't drag your sick self into work. And, bosses, send any sick employee home and develop workplace sick leave policies that are flexible and encourage people who aren't feeling well to miss work. Don't require employees to get a doctor's note, because doctors won't necessarily see patients with flu-like symptoms.
"Because we don't need doctors overwhelmed," said Tanna McKeon from Green County Emergency Management.
Even more important than dealing with the virus if it hits is to take preventative measures. Get a seasonal flu shot, and an H1N1 shot, as they become available. Green County Health Department Director RoAnn Warden said the first doses of H1N1 vaccines will be available here later this month. Those most vulnerable - pregnant women, child caregivers, younger people up to age 24, and emergency service and health personnel - are encouraged to get the shot first.
But the best thing you can do to do your part in limiting the H1N1 outbreak locally is to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands. Sneeze and cough into your arm.
No matter how persistent health workers are in preparing the public for H1N1, the success of their efforts mostly will rest with you, and how faithful you are in sticking to preventative measures. In other words, don't dismiss their warnings.
While a large portion of the general public scoffed at the news reporting and warnings, health officials locally and nationwide were diligent in trying to stay ahead of any potential outbreak.
Ultimately, H1N1 made only a moderate impact in the spring. Wisconsin actually led the nation in incidents last spring, but there only were three confirmed cases in Green County.
All the while, however, there was a cautioning that the inevitable return of H1N1 in the fall could be much more dangerous to many more people. Now, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services is reporting that influenza activity is on the rise across the state. Nationwide, more than half of all states are reporting widespread flu cases.
Again on Monday, local health officials showed they are on top of the situation. During a program on Monday at Monroe Clinic's Founders Hall, local health care and emergency management experts discussed H1N1 status, projections and precautions. Mary Flynn, coordinator of Monroe Clinic's infection control, told people to expect the H1N1 pandemic to last two to three years and occur in several waves.
But the biggest takeaway from Monday's program was that, no matter how much health officials work to inform and assist the public regarding H1N1, the severity of the pandemic locally will depend on the diligence of members of the general public.
Specifically, if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, stay home. Don't send a sick child to school. Don't drag your sick self into work. And, bosses, send any sick employee home and develop workplace sick leave policies that are flexible and encourage people who aren't feeling well to miss work. Don't require employees to get a doctor's note, because doctors won't necessarily see patients with flu-like symptoms.
"Because we don't need doctors overwhelmed," said Tanna McKeon from Green County Emergency Management.
Even more important than dealing with the virus if it hits is to take preventative measures. Get a seasonal flu shot, and an H1N1 shot, as they become available. Green County Health Department Director RoAnn Warden said the first doses of H1N1 vaccines will be available here later this month. Those most vulnerable - pregnant women, child caregivers, younger people up to age 24, and emergency service and health personnel - are encouraged to get the shot first.
But the best thing you can do to do your part in limiting the H1N1 outbreak locally is to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands. Sneeze and cough into your arm.
No matter how persistent health workers are in preparing the public for H1N1, the success of their efforts mostly will rest with you, and how faithful you are in sticking to preventative measures. In other words, don't dismiss their warnings.
