Home » Departments » Health Department »

Flu Surveillance Indicates Increasing Number of Influenza A Cases in Broome County

BINGHAMTON, NY – The Broome County Health Department is starting see an increase in the number of influenza A cases in Broome County. It is likely that most influenza A circulating in Broome County is H1N1 pandemic influenza. Most people who get the H1N1 pandemic influenza have mild symptoms, do not require treatment and can recover at home with rest and over the counter medications.  A confirmatory test to determine whether or not you have the H1N1 virus is not necessary. There is fairly limited capacity statewide for conducting the H1N1 tests and the results do not influence treatment.

People with severe symptoms can benefit by early treatment with anti-virals. Anti-virals are effective in reducing the severity of symptoms and can shorten the length of time people have the illness. Overuse and misuse of anti-virals can lead to medication resistance. 
 
Symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to seasonal flu and include fever (100º F or higher), cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Children may have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea in addition to respiratory symptoms. These symptoms alone are not the flu.
 
People with more severe illness or high risk for complications from influenza should be treated and should seek medical care.
 
Emergency warning signs in children include: 
  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Bluish or gray skin color
  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Not waking up or interacting
  • Irritable (child does not want to be held)
  • Flu like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough  
Emergency warning signs in adults include: 
  • Difficulty of breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness or confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Flu like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough 
For more information concerning H1N1 flu visit the Broome County Health Department website at www.gobroomecounty.com/hd/flu or call our information line 607.778.3331.
 
 

Posted: 10/26/2009 2:23 pm

Copyright

Official County Government Site of Broome County, New York.
Copyright © 2000-2008 Broome County. All Rights Reserved.
Comments or suggestions? Please e-mail the goBroomeCounty.com
RSS Feed | Email This Page | Print This Page | Back To Top | Login