Swine flu information, symptoms and resources for Middlesex County

The reports of Swine Flu in Connecticut (official name, H1N1) are alarming, but as the virus remains in the headlines, experts are urging common-sense in handling the outbreak.

This version of the flu is a combination of human, swine and bird flu viruses and continues to evolve. You need both a regular flu shot and a vaccine for the swine flu to be fully protected from it; doses of the H1N1 vaccine are currently being shipped to all points around Connecticut and Middlesex County but are being given to high risk patients first.

Like ordinary flu, those at greatest risk for Swine Flu are the very young, the elderly and pregnant women. The Centers for Disease Control note that 70 percent of those hospitalized for the disease had other medical conditions that made them a higher risk, such as diabetes, heart disease or asthma.

Symptoms for Swine Flu (H1N1) vary in severity from person to person but include fever, loss of appetite, lethargy and coughing. Some experience headaches, vomiting or diarrhea. It's important to see your doctor as soon as possible if you have any symptoms; antiviral drugs can greatly reduce the risks, but they need to be started early.

For more information about the swine flu and other health issues in the Middlesex County, Connecticut area, please contact one of the nearby health departments below:

Durham Health Department
6 Main Street, Suite B Durham, CT 6422
Phone: 860-349-8253
Fax: 860-349-0764
Website

Middletown Health Department
245 DeKoven Drive Middletown, CT 6457
Phone: 860-344-3474
Fax: 860-344-3588
Website

Essex Health Department
29 West Ave. Essex, CT 6426
Phone: 860-767-4340
Fax: 860-767-8509
Website

Killingworth Health Department
27 Commerce St Clinton, CT 6413
Phone: 860-663-1616
Fax: 860-669-4382
Website

Cromwell Health Department
41 West Street, Municipal Center Cromwell, CT 6416
Phone: 860-632-3426
Fax: 860-632-3477
Website

Chatham Health District
240 Middletown Ave. East Hampton, CT 6424
Phone: 860-365-0884
Fax: 860-365-0885
Website

CT River Area Health District
166 Main Street, Unit 2 Old Saybrook, CT 6475
Phone: 860-661-3300
Fax: 860-661-3333
Website

Westbrook Health Department
866 Boston Post Road Westbrook, CT 6498
Phone: 860-399-3047
Fax: 860-399-2084
Website

Chester Health Department
203 Middlesex Ave Chester, CT 6412
Phone: 860-526-0013
Fax: 860-526-0004
Website

Middlefield Health Department
405-1 Main Street Middlefield, CT 6455
Phone: 860-349-7123
Fax: 860-349-7115
Website

Connecticut and Middlesex County Flu Clinic Locations:
http://www.flu.gov/professional/states/connecticut.html

In the meantime, here are the best ways to protect yourself against the flu - and stop the spread:

- Swine Flu is transmitted primarily through coughing or sneezing; you can't get it from eating pork products.

- Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your hands to your eyes or face. Use hand sanitizer after being out in public places. Be extra-careful if you're caring for someone who has the flu.

- If there's no tissue handy, cover your nose and mouth with the crook of your arm {versus your hand - see above} if you cough or sneeze. Dispose of any used tissues. By the way, experts say those garden-variety surgical masks are only slightly effective in protecting you (and others) from the virus.

- If you feel sick, do yourself -and your fellow citizens - a favor by staying home from work or school, and away from confined public places like a movie theater, airplane or subway.

Keep in mind that there is a Connecticut seasonal flu outbreak each year; and while the number of reported cases of Swine Flu in Connecticut and Middlesex County may change daily, the number of actual fatalities is currently well below what regular flu outbreaks cause annually. So stay calm - and stay healthy!

Stay on top of what the officials are doing to curb the spread of the flu by checking these sites.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
http://pandemicflu.gov/general/index.html