Swine flu information, symptoms and resources for Union County

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

Rahway Health Department
1 City Hall Avenue Rahway, NJ 07065-3930
Phone: 732-827-2081
Fax: 732-382-9016
Website

Cranford Department Of Health
8 Springfield Avenue Cranford, NJ 07016-2199
Phone: 908-709-7240
Fax: 908-497-1540
Website

Borough Of Roselle Health Department
210 Chestnut Street Roselle, NJ 7203
Phone: 908-259-3031
Fax: 908-634-4510
Website

Westfield Regional Health Department
425 East Broad Street Westfield, NJ 07090-2197
Phone: 908-789-4070
Fax: 908-789-4076
Website

Clark Health Department
430 Westfield Avenue Clark, NJ 7066
Phone: 732-388-3600
Fax: 732-388-1268
Website

Elizabeth Department Of Health & Human Services
50 Winfield Scott Plaza Elizabeth, NJ 07201-2462
Phone: 908-820-4060
Fax: 908-820-4290
Website

Linden Board Of Health
301 North Wood Avenue Linden, NJ 07036-4296
Phone: 908-474-8409
Fax: 908-474-1836
Website

City Of Plainfield Health Department
510 Watchung Avenue Plainfield, NJ 7060
Phone: 908-753-3084
Fax: 908-753-3679
Website

Township Of Union Department Of Health
1976 Morris Avenue Union, NJ 07083-1894
Phone: 908-851-8507
Fax: 908-851-4673
Website

Union County Department Of Public Safety
300 North Avenue East Westfield, NJ 7090
Phone: 908-518-5633
Fax: 908-654-9252
Website

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