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

West Hawaii Public Health Services
79-1015 Haukapila Street Kealakekua, HI 96750
Phone: 808-322-1500
Fax: 808-322-1504
Website

Hawaii District Health Office in Hilo
75 Aupuni Street #105 Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: 808-974-6006
Fax: 808-974-6000
Website

Hawaii District Health Office in Kona
81-980 Halekii St. #103 Kealakekua, HI 96750
Phone: 808-322-4880
Fax: 808-322-4886
Website

East Hawaii Public Health Services
75 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: 808-974-6025
Fax: 808-974-6000
Website

Hawaii District Health Office in Waimea
67-5189 Kamamalu St. Kamuela, HI 96743
Phone: 808-887-8114
Fax: 808-887-8118
Website

Hawaii and Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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