Swine flu information, symptoms and resources for Bergen County

The reports of Swine Flu in New Jersey (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 New Jersey and Bergen 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 Bergen County, New Jersey area, please contact one of the nearby health departments below:

Fair Lawn Health Department
8-01 Fair Lawn Avenue Fair Lawn, NJ 7410
Phone: 201-794-5330
Fax: 201-475-2975
Website

Hackensack Health Department
215 State Street Hackensack, NJ 07601-5582
Phone: 201-646-3966
Fax: 201-646-3989
Website

Mid-Bergen Regional Health Commission
930 River Road New Milford, NJ 7646
Phone: 201-599-6290
Fax: 201-262-7783
Website

Englewood Health Department
73 South Van Brunt Street Englewood, NJ 07631-3485
Phone: 201-871-6501
Fax: 201-568-5738
Website

N.W. Bergen Regional Health Commission
20 West Prospect Street Waldwick, NJ 7463
Phone: 201-445-7217
Fax: 201-445-4001
Website

Elmwood Park Department Of Health
182 Market Street Elmwood Park, NJ 07407-1497
Phone: 201-796-1072
Fax: 201-796-0292
Website

Palisades Park Health Department
275 Broad Avenue Palisades Park, NJ 7650
Phone: 201-585-4106
Fax: 201-585-4107
Website

Bergenfield Health Department
198 North Washington Avenue Bergenfield, NJ 7621
Phone: 201-387-4055
Fax: 201-385-7386
Website

Paramus Department Of Health
Jockish Square Paramus, NJ 7652
Phone: 201-265-2100
Fax: 201-225-9014
Website

Bergen County Department Of Health Services
327 E. Ridgewood Avenue Paramus, NJ 07652-4895
Phone: 201-634-2600
Fax: 201-986-1068
Website

Teaneck Department Of Health & Human Services
818 Teaneck Road Teaneck, NJ 07666-9998
Phone: 201-837-1600
Fax: 201-837-4817
Website

Fort Lee Health Department
309 Main Street Fort Lee, NJ 07024-4799
Phone: 201-592-3500
Fax: 201-585-1901
Website

New Jersey and Bergen County Flu Clinic Locations:
http://www.flu.gov/professional/states/newjersey.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 New Jersey seasonal flu outbreak each year; and while the number of reported cases of Swine Flu in New Jersey and Bergen 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