Swine flu information, symptoms and resources for Honolulu County

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

Central Oahu Public Health Services
860 Fourth Street, Room 130 Pearl City, HI 96782
Phone: 808-453-6190
Fax: 808-453-6777
Website

Leeward Oahu Public Health Services
94-275 Mokuola Street, Room 101 Waipahu, HI 96797
Phone: 808-675-0073
Fax: 808-675-0079
Website

Windward Oahu Public Health Services
45-691 Keaahala Road Kaneohe, HI 96744
Phone: 808-233-5450
Fax: 808-233-5303
Website

East Honolulu Public Health Services
3627 Kilauea Avenue, Room 311 Honolulu, HI 96816
Phone: 808-733-9220
Fax: 808-733-9375
Website

Honolulu Public Health Services
1250 Punchbowl Street,Room 210 Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: 808-586-4620
Fax: 808-586-8165
Website

West Honolulu Public Health Services
1700 Lanakila Avenue, Room 201 Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone: 808-832-5757
Fax: 808-832-5742
Website

Waianae Public Health Services
85-670 Farrington Hwy, Room 7 Waianae, HI 96792
Phone: 808-697-7839
Website

Wahiawa Public Health Services
910 California Avenue Room 119 Wahiawa, HI 96786
Phone: 828-622-6445
Website

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