Tests indicate Swine Flu outbreak in county

County health officials reported Tuesday they were notified Friday of a positive Influenza A test involving an 18-year-old WSU student. Since Friday, over a dozen cases of Influenza A have been diagnosed in medical offices, clinics and the Pullman Regional Hospital emergency department.

Over 95 percent of the Influenza A cases reported since May have been the Novel H1N1 Swine Flu type, and health officials believe the cases reported over the weekend here are likely to be the Swine Flu type.

No hospitalizations or serious complications have been reported at this time, according to the health department’s report Tuesday.

Symptoms of Swine Flu include a sudden onset of fever, usually over 102 degrees, a cough or sore throat, head and body aches. Very young children may also have vomiting and diarrhea.

Population groups which can have high risk of complications from the flu are pregnant women, people with asthma and chronic lung and cardiovascular disease, and people with conditions that impair the immunity system.

Infants under two and adults over 65 are considered high risk.

The health department reported a vaccine for Swine Flu is now undergoing tests and isn’t expected to be available until the middle of October at the earliest. At present preventative measures are the best means of preventing the spread of the flu.

People are advised to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, avoid sharing drinking and eating utensils, clean surfaces touched by other people, and cover coughs and sneezes.

People who have Swine Flu symptoms are advised to stay at home and minimize contact with others, rest and drink lots of fluids. Tylenol, Advil and Motrin can be used to reduce fever and body aches. People should not use aspiring due to the possibility of Reye Syndrome.