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Albemarle Employee Diagnosed with H1N1
Posted: Jul 24, 2009 3:52 PM CDT Updated: Jul 24, 2009 3:55 PM CDT
An Albemarle County employee was diagnosed with swine flu (H1N1). In a press release Friday, Albemarle County Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness Manager Pam Carter said that the risk of other employees getting swine flu is the same as the greater population.
No other information was released about the employee who was diagnosed with swine flu.
Reported by NBC29 HD News
Press Release:
I am writing to make you aware that an Albemarle County employee was recently diagnosed with the H1N1 flu (swine flu). Although this diagnosis has been confirmed, risk of exposure to other employees is no greater than what would be encountered by coming into contact with people in the population at-large. As such, we continue to stress the need for everyone to be aware of the symptoms of H1N1 and corresponding need to take measures to protect your health.
According to the Health Department, H1N1 flu continues to circulate in our community and throughout Virginia and the U.S. The largest number of confirmed and probable cases in the U.S. has occurred among persons 5 to 24 years old. Adults older than 64 years appear to be at decreased risk of contracting novel H1N1-related complications thus far.
What are the symptoms you should watch for?
The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
What does this mean to you?
Spread of the H1N1 virus is mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with the virus. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Given the method of transmission, distance yourself from people who are coughing and sneezing. You should also take the following measures to protect your health:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are experiencing flu like symptoms, call your physician. The CDC advises that you call, rather than go into, your physician's office, so that you will not infect others. You will most likely be instructed to stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further. However, your physician will provide you with exact instructions.
We will continue to remain proactive and vigilant in assessing the impact of H1N1 in our community and will continue to communicate important developments to you. Again, just be aware of the symptoms of this illness and follow the procedures outlined in this message.
For more information on the H1N1 virus, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qahtm
Pam Carter, RN COHNS FAAOHN
Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness Manager
Albemarle County
401 McIntire Rd
Charlottesville, VA 22902
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