Swine flu information, symptoms and resources for Hampden County

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

Granville Town Board of Health
Town Hall/ 707 Main Rd. Bx. 2 Granville, MA 01034-0247
Phone: 413-357-8585
Website

Chicopee Town Board of Health
15 Court St Chicopee, MA 1020
Phone: 413-594-4711
Website

East Longmeadow Town Board of Health
Town Hall 60 Center Sq. East Longmeadow, MA 1028
Phone: 413-525-5400
Website

Blandford Town Board of Health
102 Main St. Blandford, MA 1008
Phone: 413-848-2277
Website

West Springfield Town Board of Health
26 Central St. Suite 18 West Springfield, MA 1089
Phone: 413-263-3206
Website

Longmeadow Town Board of Health
Town Hall 20 Williams St. Longmeadow, MA 1106
Phone: 413-565-4140
Website

Holyoke Town Board of Health
City Hall Annex Rm.306 20 Kor Holyoke, MA 1040
Phone: 413-322-5595
Website

Russell Town Board of Health
Town Hall P.O. Box 407 Russell, MA 1071
Phone: 413-862-6200
Website

Agawam Town Board of Health
36 Main St. Agawam, MA 1001
Phone: 413-786-0400
Website

Southwick Town Board of Health
454 College Hwy. Southwick, MA 1077
Phone: 413-569-1212
Website

Hampden Town Board of Health
625 Main St. Hampden, MA 1036
Phone: 413-566-2152
Website

Brimfield Town Board of Health
23 Main St. P.O. Box 76 Brimfield, MA 1010
Phone: 413-245-4100
Website

Ludlow Town Board of Health
Town Hall 1st Fl. 488 Chapin Ludlow, MA 1056
Phone: 413-583-5600
Website

Wilbraham Town Board of Health
240 Springfield St. Wilbraham, MA 1095
Phone: 413-596-8111
Website

Holland Town Board of Health
Town Hall 27 Sturbridge Rd Holland, MA 1521
Phone: 413-245-7108
Website

Westfield Town Board of Health
59 Court Street Westfield, MA 1085
Phone: 413-572-6210
Website

Chester Town Board of Health
P.O.Box 4 15 Middlefield Road Chester, MA 1011
Phone: 413-354-7781
Website

Monson Town Board of Health
110 Main St. Monson, MA 1057
Phone: 413-267-4107
Website

Palmer Town Board of Health
4417 Main St. Palmer, MA 01069-1133
Phone: 413-283-2606
Website

Wales Town Board of Health
3 Hollow Rd. P.O. Box 107 Wales, MA 1081
Phone: 413-245-7571
Website

Springfield Town Board of Health
95 State St. Springfield, MA 1109
Phone: 413-787-6456
Website

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