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H1N1 case confirmed from Junction City

August 18, 2009|By EMILY TOADVINE

The Boyle County Health Department received confirmation Tuesday of an H1N1 case involving a Junction City Elementary student.

On Monday, Boyle County schools Superintendent Mike LaFavers decided to close Junction City Elementary School for the rest of the week because the number of students absents with flu-like illnesses had doubled over the weekend. More than 80 of the school's 353 students were absent. About 17 of the school's staff also were absent because of illness.

Rebecca Judy, public health preparedness coordinator for the Boyle County Health Department, said this is Boyle's third confirmed case of H1N1 virus.

"This case was tested and it was confirmed," Judy said. "The child was tested by her healthcare provider."

It's possible that other people had H1N1 but the cases were not confirmed.

"The current recommendation from the state health department is we do not test every single person, because the lab would be overwhelmed," Judy said. "But the H1N1 virus is the predominant strain that is circulating."

Judy said if healthcare providers see a patient with flu-like illness they do a rapid influenza test. If it tests positive for flu, the doctors assume it's H1N1 and treat it with antivirals, Judy said.

Anyone who is sick should avoid contact with others, Judy said.

"With the Junction City school closing, if someone is sick they should stay at home and recover. The whole idea is to stay away from other people if you feel bad."

Judy said they hope to avoid closing other schools for illnesses and urged parents to keep sick children out of daycares and avoid other group settings, such as the movie theater.

Boyle's first confirmed H1N1 case was May 11 and was a child. Another case in the summer was confirmed with an adult.

For more information on swine flu Judy recommended the Web site www.healthalerts.ky.gov.

"You can print off how to care for someone if they're sick in your home with swine flu and symptoms of swine flu," she said. "There is a section for businesses, schools, health care professionals and for parents and caregivers."

FLU TIPS

* Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.

* If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick.

* Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

* Wash your hands often.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

* Studies have shown that human influenza viruses generally can survive on inanimate surfaces such as books and doorknobs between two and eight hours.

* Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212 degree Farenheit). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, soap and detergents, iodine-based antiseptics, and alcohols are effective against influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for sufficient length of time.

For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed until they are dry.

Source: www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/preventing.htm

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