Swine flu information, symptoms and resources for Sussex County

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

Laurel State Health Services
31039 North Poplar Street Laurel, DE 19956
Phone: 302-875-6943
Website

Milford Walnut Street Health Services
Milford Walnut Street Building, 18 N. Walnut Street Milford, DE 19963
Phone: 302-424-7300
Website

Georgetown State Health Services
546 S. Bedford Street Georgetown, DE 19947
Phone: 302-856-5246
Website

Anna C. Shipley State Health Services
350 Virginia Ave. Seaford, DE 19973
Phone: 302-628-2006
Website

Edward W. Pyle State Health Services
34314 Pyle Center Road Frankford, DE 19945
Phone: 302-732-9512
Website

Milford State Health Services
11-13 Church Ave. Milford, DE 19963
Phone: 302-424-7130
Website

Delaware and Sussex County Flu Clinic Locations:
http://www.flu.gov/professional/states/delaware.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 Delaware seasonal flu outbreak each year; and while the number of reported cases of Swine Flu in Delaware and Sussex 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