Officials address concerns about swine flue

A new hotline opened Saturday, May 1, to provide Illinois residents with easy access to information about the H1N1 flu (swine flu). 

The hotline (866-848-2094 for English, 866-241-2138 for Spanish) is scheduled to operate daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily for as long as needed. 

Hotline operators will be equipped to answer basic, non-medical questions related to the outbreak and will be able to refer callers to additional information sources.

“With the flu outbreak in the news every day, we know many people have questions,” said Andrew Velasquez III, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, IEMA. 

“Through this hotline, we hope to answer basic questions and connect people with sources for additional information.”   

The line will be staffed by state employee volunteers from several agencies, with support from public health professionals from the Illinois Department of Public Health, IDPH. 

Spanish-speaking operators also will be available. 

In addition, information about the H1N1 (swine flu) also is continually updated on the state’s Ready Illinois website at <a href="http://www.Ready.Illinois.gov">www.Ready.Illinois.gov</a>. 

Southern Seven Health Department responds

After receiving initial reports of Swine Influenza A (H1N1), “swine flu” cases in the United States, Southern Seven Health Department began working with hospitals and local health providers to coordinate efforts in preparation for potential illnesses in the area.

Southern Seven serves Union County and six other area counties. The health department has a clinic in Jonesboro.

"Our overall goal is to reduce transmission and illness severity of swine flu by providing information to healthcare providers, emergency response partners and the public. These types of efforts are occurring all over the State of Illinois," said Southern Seven Health Department public information officer Angie Messmer in a news release.

"At this time, there are no reported cases in our counties," Messmer stated.

Southern Seven Health Department is closely monitoring the situation and implementing surveillance procedures. There are plans in place to address the situation if a case should be suspected or confirmed.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. 

Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans; however, human infections with swine flu do occur. 

Public health officials have determined that this strain of swine flu virus spreads from human to human and can cause illness. 

A person can only be tested for swine flu if they have the following symptoms (very similar to seasonal flu):

Fever (greater than 100 degrees F or 37.8 degrees C), sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and body aches, fatigue; and one of the following:

Onset of illness within 7 days of close contact with a person who is a confirmed case of Swine Influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, or

Onset of illness within seven days of travel to a community either within the United States or internationally where there are one or more confirmed swine flu cases, or

Reside in a community where there are one or more confirmed swine flu cases.

If someone feels they may have been exposed to swine flu and fit the criteria above, they should call their healthcare provider. 

People cannot be exposed to swine flu by eating pork, pork products, or food products from affected areas.

There is currently no vaccine for swine flu; however, two antiviral medications (oseltamivir and zanamivir) are effective for treatment and/or prevention of infection with the current swine flu virus.  The vaccine for seasonal flu is not effective against swine flu.

In order to prepare for possible cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released 25 percent of the federal stockpile containing antiviral medication and other supplies. 

A proclamation issued by Gov. Pat Quinn allowed for the mobilization of state assets, as the governor deems necessary, to aid in the distribution of medical supplies and other actions needed to protect the public’s health and safety. 

Dr. Damon T. Arnold, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health stated:

“Our goals during this public health emergency are to quickly identify cases of swine flu and reduce the spread and severity of the illness. 

"The governor’s proclamation is not cause for alarm but simply allows us to be proactive and distribute medicines and medical supplies from the state and federal stockpiles to hospitals and local health departments across the state so they are available when they are needed.” 

Southern Seven Health Department is preparing to receive these shipments. 

Southern Seven Health Department administrator Nancy Holt wants to assure residents of the Southern Seven Counties that this action will better equip the area to respond in a timely manner should the area begin to see cases of swine flu.

To prevent the spread of swine flu, the health department advises:

Avoid contact with ill persons.

When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (if you do not have a tissue). Throw used tissues in a trash can.

After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.

If you think you are ill with flu, avoid close contact with others as much as possible.  Stay at home or in your hotel room. Seek medical care if you are severely ill (such as having trouble breathing). 

There are antiviral medications for prevention and treatment of swine flu that a doctor can prescribe. Do not go to work, school, or travel while ill.

For more information, contact Southern Seven Health Department at 618-634-2297 or access information on the web at <a href="http://www.idph.state.il.us">www.idph.state.il.us</a> or <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/swineful">www.cdc.gov/swineful</a>.