Legislators and staff heard from Cathy Slemp MD, MPH, the State Health Preparedness Director, regarding West Virginia’s efforts regarding its defense against the H1N1 flu virus during the December interim meeting of the Joint Select Committee on Health Emergency Preparedness.
While noting the virus is in a decline, the health official said there is a potential for a third wave of the pandemic disease in the Spring of 2010.
Reminding staff and lawmakers the transmission is primarily from respiratory droplets (uncovered sneezing from 3-6 feet) but the bug can be picked up from surfaces and transferred by the hands to the mouth, eyes and nose.
Those who are at increased risk include children under the age of 5, pregnant women, people with underlying medical problem such as, the most common, asthma.
Preventative measures include hand washing, covering coughs, abstaining from the workplace if a person has the flu, cleaning surfaces and getting vaccinated when available.
Seasonal flu viruses may include fever, cough, headache, fatigue, chills, muscle aches, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and sometimes diarrhea or vomiting. The H1N1 has similar symptoms but they are more severe. Dr. Slemp told members of the committee that those at increased risk of complications should call a health care provider early.
Guidance on home care for the seasonal flu and H1N1 can be found at:
What To Do If You Get Sick
Health preparedness is everyone’s responsibility in maintaining good health practices.
