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Wednesday, 26 August 2009 12:40PM
Hundreds of local children with "Swine Flu"?
David Blake Reporting
As children return to school, reported cases of the flu are already pouring in.
Children's Hospital in New Orleans may already have seen hundreds of Swine Flu cases as technicians continue to test for the H1N1 virus among infected kids.
Though a high number of infections was expected, that still doesn't make the caseload any easier, as medical personnel expect many long hours ahead diagnosing and treating cases of both "regular" and "Swine" flu.
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Rodolfo Begue says there are many cases of both types of flu, but they continue to be fairly mild.
"The worst is over in about 3 days, but they should stay home for about 7 days, not to expose other persons," Begne said.
Listen to Dr. Begue talk about the ongoing battle against the flu:
Listen:
He says adults are doing a little better avoiding Swine Flu because they have stronger immune systems.
"We don't think it's going to be much worse in terms of severe symptoms, but it's going to be much worse in terms of more numbers," he said. "Which means we're going to work overtime just to provide service to the people."
The first Swine Flu vaccine isn't expected until October, and Begne says that by then many thousands of infections are expected in New Orleans.
Local preparations continue as a federal report this week said that half of all Americans could get the virus this fall.
Governor Jindal has urged residents to stay home if sick, and encouraged frequent hand-washing, as well taking care when coughing or sneezing to cover your face.
Hundreds of local children with "Swine Flu"?
David Blake Reporting
As children return to school, reported cases of the flu are already pouring in.
Children's Hospital in New Orleans may already have seen hundreds of Swine Flu cases as technicians continue to test for the H1N1 virus among infected kids.
Though a high number of infections was expected, that still doesn't make the caseload any easier, as medical personnel expect many long hours ahead diagnosing and treating cases of both "regular" and "Swine" flu.
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Rodolfo Begue says there are many cases of both types of flu, but they continue to be fairly mild.
"The worst is over in about 3 days, but they should stay home for about 7 days, not to expose other persons," Begne said.
Listen to Dr. Begue talk about the ongoing battle against the flu:
Listen:
He says adults are doing a little better avoiding Swine Flu because they have stronger immune systems.
"We don't think it's going to be much worse in terms of severe symptoms, but it's going to be much worse in terms of more numbers," he said. "Which means we're going to work overtime just to provide service to the people."
The first Swine Flu vaccine isn't expected until October, and Begne says that by then many thousands of infections are expected in New Orleans.
Local preparations continue as a federal report this week said that half of all Americans could get the virus this fall.
Governor Jindal has urged residents to stay home if sick, and encouraged frequent hand-washing, as well taking care when coughing or sneezing to cover your face.