Swine flu information, symptoms and resources for Salt Lake County

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

Rose Park Health Department
1625 West 70 North, Suite H Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Phone: 801-322-0502
Website

West Jordan Health Department
1740 West 7800 South West Jordan, UT 84088
Phone: 801-569-4360
Website

South East Health Department
9340 South 700 East Sandy, UT 84070
Phone: 801-255-7114
Website

South Main Health Department
3195 South Main Street Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Phone: 801-468-3690
Website

Salt Lake City Health Department
610 South 200 East Salt Lake City, UT 84190
Phone: 801-468-2700
Fax: 801-468-2748
Website

Salt Lake City Health Department
2001 South State Street Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone: 801-534-4666
Website

Utah and Salt Lake County Flu Clinic Locations:
http://www.flu.gov/professional/states/utah.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 Utah seasonal flu outbreak each year; and while the number of reported cases of Swine Flu in Utah and Salt Lake 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