The Shawnee County Health Agency has been notified by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment of its first case of H1N1 which involves an adult.
The SCHA has been anticipating it would see H1N1 in the community. SCHA is conducting a thorough investigation and management of the patient and close contacts through the use of guidance provided by KDHE.
It continues to be important for the public to protect themselves. SCHA encourages the public take steps to reduce the spread of germs which include 1)Avoid close contact with people who are sick, 2)Stay home when you are sick, 3)Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, 4)Clean your hands, 5)Practice other good health habits (get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food).
The symptoms of the 2009 H1N1 virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flue and include;
*Fever greater than 100 degrees
* Body aches
*Coughing
*Sore throat
*Respiratory congestion
*In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting
If you experience the above symptoms you should contact your health care provider, who will determine whether testing or treatment is needed. Currently, there is no vaccine available to protect against the 2009 H1N1 virus. There are effective treatments available once the infection is diagnosed.
