Swine flu information, symptoms and resources for Bernalillo County

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

Southeast Public Health Office
7525 Zuni SE Albuquerque, NM 87108
Phone: 505-841-8928
Fax: 505-841-8936
Website

Southwest Public Health Office
2001 Centro Familiar SW Albuquerque, NM 87105
Phone: 505-873-7478
Fax: 505-873-7480
Website

Taylor Ranch Public Health Office
6911 Taylor Ranch NW, #C11 Albuquerque, NM 87120
Phone: 505-899-8574
Fax: 505-899-8468
Website

Alamosa Center for Public Health
6900 Gonzales Rd SW Suite F Albuquerque, NM 87121
Phone: 505-833-9950
Fax: 505-833-9333
Website

Northeast Heights Office
8120 La Mirada NE Albuquerque, NM 87109
Phone: 505-332-4850
Fax: 505-332-4951
Website

Metro Detention Center Public Health Office
100 John Dantis Drive SW Albuquerque, NM 87151
Phone: 505-839-8853
Fax: 505-839-8991
Website

North Valley Public Health Office
7704 2nd St NW Albuquerque, NM 87107
Phone: 505-897-5700
Fax: 505-897-1010
Website

Stanford Public Health Office
1111 Stanford Dr. NE Albuquerque, NM 87106
Phone: 505-841-4100
Fax: 505-841-4147
Website

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