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Boulder City Magazine® October 2009 Issue
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BCPD Informer
by John Chase, Deputy Chief
Boulder City Police Department
H1N1
The flu season is nearly upon us, and this year, more so than in years past, I thought it was invaluable to discuss briefly the H1N1 Flu. What is H1N1, also known as swine flu, how does it spread and what can individuals do to minimize the chances of being infected? These are three questions I will address.
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In addition to answering these three questions, I want to assure you that Fire Chief Kevin Nicholson, Police Chief Thomas Finn and I are attending meetings and briefings regularly where we are updated on the status of the flu, as well as obtaining up-to-date information on vaccines and methods of vaccine deployment should an outbreak occur.
H1N1, commonly referred to as the swine flu, is unlike past cases of the swine flu. It is transferred to humans that had no contact with pigs. Another characteristic of this new version of the swine flu is that it transfers from person to person. In the past, only a few cases of the swine flu were known and they were centered around individuals that had direct contact with pigs.
The swine flu spreads much like any other flu. Flu germs can be picked up directly from an infected individual or by touching something that the infected person had recently touched and then touching your eyes, mouth or nose, thus infecting yourself with the hitch-hiking germs.
The new swine flu seems to be sensitive to antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends those drugs to prevent or treat swine flu. While the CDC recommends these antiviral drugs, it is also imperative that you consult you physician if symptoms continue. You can visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU/ for up-to-date information on the swine flu and how it is infecting our nation.
The CDC, along with local health care experts, suggests three things that you can do to minimize your chances of catching the flu: (1) Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, (2) Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes, and (3) Avoid close contact with sick people.
Until next month, stay safe.
John Chase can be reached via his e-mail address at Jchase@bcnv.org. |
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