Swine flu information, symptoms and resources for Cook County

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

Skokie Health Department
5127 Oakton Street Skokie, IL 60077
Phone: 847-933-8252
Fax: 847-673-8606
Website

Illinois Department of Public Health - Chicago Regional Office in Chicago
100 West Randolph Street, Suite 6-600 Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-793-3376
Fax: 312-793-2254
Website

Chicago Department of Public Health
333 S. State Street, 2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: 312-747-9872
Fax: 312-747-9739
Website

Cook County Department of Public Health
1010 Lake Street, Suite 300 Oak Park, IL 60301
Phone: 708-492-2000
Fax: 708-492-2900
Website

Illinois Department of Public Health - Chicago Regional Office in Bellwood
4212 West Street Charles Road Bellwood, IL 60104
Phone: 708-544-5300
Fax: 708-544-5343
Website

Oak Park Department of Public Health
123 Madison Street Oak Park, IL 60302
Phone: 708-358-5480
Fax: 708-383-1548
Website

Evanston Health Department
2100 Ridge Avenue Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: 847-866-2952
Fax: 847-448-8125
Website

Stickney Public Health District
5635 State Road Burbank, IL 60459
Phone: 708-424-9200
Fax: 708-499-5427
Website

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