Swine flu information, symptoms and resources for Hampshire 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 Hampshire 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 Hampshire County, Massachusetts area, please contact one of the nearby health departments below:

Northampton Town Board of Health
212 Main St. Pulchalski Munic Northampton, MA 1060
Phone: 413-587-1213
Website

Amherst Town Board of Health
Bangs Center 70 Boltwood Ave. Amherst, MA 1002
Phone: 413-259-3077
Website

Williamsburg Town Board of Health
c/o Foothills Heatlh District Williamsburg, MA 1039
Phone: 413-268-8404
Website

Middlefield Town Board of Health
Town Hall 188 Skyline Trail Middlefield, MA 1243
Phone: 413-623-2079
Website

Worthington Town Board of Health
Town Office P.O. box 247 Worthington, MA 1098
Phone: 413-238-5579
Website

Plainfield Town Board of Health
Town Hall 304 Main St Plainfield, MA 1070
Phone: 413-634-0321
Website

Southampton Town Board of Health
P.O. Box 35 Southampton, MA 1073
Phone: 413-532-1003
Website

Granby Town Board of Health
250 State Street Kellogg Hall Granby, MA 1033
Phone: 413-467-7174
Website

Huntington Town Board of Health
P.O. Box 433 Huntington, MA 1050
Phone: 413-667-3500
Website

Hatfield Town Board of Health
Memorial Town Hall 59 Main St Hatfield, MA 1038
Phone: 413-247-9200
Website

Cummington Town Board of Health
PO Box 128 Cummington, MA 1026
Phone: 413-634-8026
Website

Foothills Health District
PO Box 447 Haydenville, MA 1039
Phone: 413-268-8404
Website

Easthampton Town Board of Health
50 Payson Ave. Easthampton, MA 1027
Phone: 413-529-1430
Website

Ware Town Board of Health
126 Main St. Town Hall Ware, MA 1082
Phone: 413-967-9615
Website

Goshen Town Board of Health
c/o Foothills Health District Goshen, MA 1039
Phone: 413-268-8404
Website

Quabbin Health District
Town Hall 126 Main St. Ware, MA 1082
Phone: 413-967-9615
Website

Hadley Town Board of Health
100 Middle St. Hadley, MA 1035
Phone: 413-584-4562
Website

Chesterfield Town Board of Health
Town Hall P.O. Box 89 Chesterfield, MA 1012
Phone: 413-296-4771
Website

Belchertown Town Board of Health
PO Box 670 Belchertown, MA 1007
Phone: 413-323-0406
Website

Massachusetts and Hampshire 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 Hampshire 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