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

Bridgewater Township Health Department
700 Garretson Road Bridgewater, NJ 08807-0300
Phone: 908-725-6300
Fax: 908-707-1235
Website

Bernards Township Health Department
262 South Finley Avenue Basking Ridge, NJ 07920-1418
Phone: 908-204-3067
Fax: 908-204-3075
Website

Montgomery Township Health Department
2261 Route 206 Belle Mead, NJ 08502-4012
Phone: 908-359-8211
Fax: 908-359-4308
Website

Somerville Health Department
25 West End Avenue Somerville, NJ 8876
Phone: 908-725-2300
Fax: 908-725-2859
Website

Somerset County Department Of Health
27 Warren Street Somerville, NJ 8876
Phone: 908-231-7155
Fax: 908-704-8042
Website

Hillsborough Township Health Department
379 South Branch Roa Hillsborough, NJ 8844
Phone: 908-369-5652
Fax: 908-369-8565
Website

New Jersey and Somerset 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 Somerset 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