Two state lab-confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus have been confirmed in school-aged children in the Greater Augusta area, the Central Shenandoah Health District reported today.
Health District Director Dr. Doug Larsen reminds local residents that basic precautions involving hygiene etiquette can prevent the spread of the pandemic swine flu.
“The health district and local health departments have been working with our school districts and hospitals to prepare for this situation. This simply reinforces the fact that families and the general public need to be diligent,” Larsen said.
Larsen also emphasized that most people who will get the flu will recover on their own without any special treatment or care. But people with chronic illnesses, infants and seniors and people who are exposed to the virus on a more frequent basis like those who work in health care could be at risk for complications related to the flu.
The quick and easy thing to keep in mind – use common sense. “If you think you have a fever, you shouldn’t be going to work, you shouldn’t be going to school, you shouldn’t be going to your faith community, you shouldn’t be going out to eat dinner. Because you’re exposing the public,” Larsen said.
More information on H1N1 is available online at www.flu.gov, www.vdh.virginia.gov and toll-free at 877.ASK.VDH3.
– Story by Chris Graham
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