Swine flu information, symptoms and resources for Fulton County

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

Adamsville Health Department
3699 Bakers Ferry Rd. SW Atlanta, GA 30331
Phone: 404-699-4215
Website

Aldredge Health Department
99 Jesse Hill, Jr. Drive, SE Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-730-1211
Website

Kirkwood Health Department
30 Warren Street Atlanta, GA 30317
Phone: 404-370-7360
Website

Neighborhood Union Health Department
186 Sunset Avenue, NW Atlanta, GA 30314
Phone: 404-612-4665
Website

The Center For Health & Rehabilitation
265 Boulevard, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone: 404-730-5835
Website

College Park Health Department
1920 John E. Wesley Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30337
Phone: 404-765-4155
Website

Sandy Springs Health Department
330 Johnson Ferry Road Atlanta, GA 30328
Phone: 404-303-6162
Website

Palmetto Health Department
COLLEGE PARK HEALTH CENTER Atlanta, GA 30314
Phone: 404-765-4155
Website

Center Hill Health Department
3201 Atlanta Industrial Parkway, SW Suite 302 Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: 404-699-6370
Website

Lakewood Health Department
1853 Jonesboro Road, SE Atlanta, GA 30315
Phone: 404-624-0626
Website

North Fulton Health Department
3155 Royal Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30022
Phone: 404-332-1958
Website

Fulton Health District
99 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE Atlanta, GA 30303-3045
Phone: 404-730-1202
Fax: 404-730-1294
Website

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