Swine flu information, symptoms and resources for Cheshire County

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

Marlborough Town Health Office
279 Frost Hill Rd Marlborough, NH 3455
Phone: 603-876-4524
Website

Keene Health Department
3 Washington St Keene, NH 03431-1712
Phone: 603-357-3510
Fax: 603-352-2598
Website

Fitzwilliam Health Department
13 Templeton Turnpike Fitzwilliam, NH 3447
Phone: 603-585-7723
Website

Keene Health Department
809 Court Street Keene, NH 03431-2894
Phone: 603-352-1904
Website

Winchester Health Office
1 Richmond Road Winchester, NH 3470
Phone: 603-239-4871
Website

Dublin Town Health Office
1120 Main St. Dublin, NH 3444
Phone: 603-562-6870
Fax: 603-563-9221
Website

Keene Health Department
109 Key Road Keene, NH 3431
Phone: 603-352-5440
Website

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