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"Epidemic Proportions" of Swine Flu in Monroe County
Last Update: 5:55 pm
Rochester, N.Y. ? Monroe County health officials say the swine flu, or H1N1 virus, has reached ?epidemic proportions? in the Rochester area.*
At a press conference Wednesday morning, the Monroe County Health Department announced the 19 documented and confirmed cases in the area.* They also said they believe there are hundreds of cases in the community.
County health officials also said the Rochester area is now at the ?crest of the first wave? of the virus and it?s likely we will see more of the virus as the year continues.
According to the health department, the virus is affecting those individuals ages 10 to 50.* The virus isn?t being seen as much in elderly individuals, infants and babies.
Monroe County Health Director Dr. Andrew Doniger says he thinks it?s possible older individuals have built up immunities due to exposure from a similar virus in the past.
The County also said schools are seeing increases in student absences, but they are taking the necessary precautions and keeping students with flu-like symptoms home for seven days.
Health officials say the virus is no more serious than any other flu strain in the community, but they do warn the virus is spreading easily among people in the community.
A flu vaccine that does not contain strains of the virus is already being manufactured.* But the federal government is also working on a vaccine more specific to swine flu that could be released later this year.
County health officials continue to warn anyone with flu-like symptoms to stay home from work or school for at least seven days.
The county has also asked health care providers to simply provide treatment over the phone unless an individual has underlying health problems, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.* These individuals should visit their health care provider directly.
http://www.13wham.com/mostpopular/story/Epidemic-Proportions-of-Swine-Flu-in-Monroe-County/N0AElFJWbEu9U9Ec6bSr2w.cspx
Last Update: 5:55 pm
Rochester, N.Y. ? Monroe County health officials say the swine flu, or H1N1 virus, has reached ?epidemic proportions? in the Rochester area.*
At a press conference Wednesday morning, the Monroe County Health Department announced the 19 documented and confirmed cases in the area.* They also said they believe there are hundreds of cases in the community.
County health officials also said the Rochester area is now at the ?crest of the first wave? of the virus and it?s likely we will see more of the virus as the year continues.
According to the health department, the virus is affecting those individuals ages 10 to 50.* The virus isn?t being seen as much in elderly individuals, infants and babies.
Monroe County Health Director Dr. Andrew Doniger says he thinks it?s possible older individuals have built up immunities due to exposure from a similar virus in the past.
The County also said schools are seeing increases in student absences, but they are taking the necessary precautions and keeping students with flu-like symptoms home for seven days.
Health officials say the virus is no more serious than any other flu strain in the community, but they do warn the virus is spreading easily among people in the community.
A flu vaccine that does not contain strains of the virus is already being manufactured.* But the federal government is also working on a vaccine more specific to swine flu that could be released later this year.
County health officials continue to warn anyone with flu-like symptoms to stay home from work or school for at least seven days.
The county has also asked health care providers to simply provide treatment over the phone unless an individual has underlying health problems, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.* These individuals should visit their health care provider directly.
http://www.13wham.com/mostpopular/story/Epidemic-Proportions-of-Swine-Flu-in-Monroe-County/N0AElFJWbEu9U9Ec6bSr2w.cspx