H1N1 flu virus on the rise locally

If you have the flu, there is a good chance you may have the Swine Flu. Since the H1N1 (swine) flu strain has been identified, the Weber-Morgan Health Department identified 30 state lab-confirmed cases for the virus. "The CDC tells us if you present flu-like symptoms this time of year, [Swine flu] is most likely what you have," Tina L'Estrange, communicable diseases nurse at the Weber-Morgan Health Department, said. Due to the recent spike in cases reported, the state has adapted how the virus is reported. Since June 17, the state now only reports cases in which people are hospitalized for the virus. Officials at the Weber-Morgan Health Department say this change should cause the jump of numbers to level off a bit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the H1N1 strain is not captured in the regular flu shot, so getting a regular flu shot will not protect against the swine flu. L'Estrange said this time of year flu cases typically decline but the health department is seeing flu case numbers on the rise this year. "We saw our first case at the end of April, we had nine cases in May, but the majority have been this month," L'Estrange said. In the last week, nine people have been hospitalized and are waiting for results to come back. During this waiting period the patient is asked to voluntarily stay isolated in the home and to wear masks. Confirmation of test results takes at least seven days. Currently, Utah and Texas are tied for the 4th highest death rate in the nation related to the H1N1 virus. New York is number one with 35. The Weber-Morgan Health Department recommends the following: wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds several times a day; cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze; avoid touching your nose and eyes; seek medical care if you experience flu-like symptoms or fever; and stay home if you are ill. Even if you take all the precautions, L'Estrange said it does not mean you won't get the virus. "I have spoken with people who have done everything and they still get [swine flu]," L'Estrange said. The Weber State University Health Center is readily available to see anyone who has flu-like symptoms, according to Dr. Shawn McQuilkin. Students will be tested for influenza A or B, which is a $20 test. "This time of year, if a student has influenza A, there is a 95 percent chance it is swine flu," McQuilkin said. A presumptive H1N1 diagnosis follows if results show influenza A and an anti-viral prescription called Tamiflu is given to the patient. However, having a swine flu diagnosis is not the end of your summer by any means, according to McQuilkin. "My wife actually had the presumptive H1N1 diagnosis, McQuilkin said. "And was put on Tamiflu, and by the end of the weekend she was out hiking in the mountains," The anti-viral prescription only works if it is administered to the patient within 48 hours of the illness, according to McQuilkin. The only way to actually have the H1N1 virus confirmed is for a patient to require a hospital stay and tests to be done by the state lab. The main difference between H1N1 and the common flu is the age group that is affected. Hospitalizations regularly occur in children under 5 years old or adults over the age of 65. However, H1N1 is hitting college- and middle-aged people the hardest, according to McQuilkin. Tamiflu does not come inexpensive for students who do not have insurance. "A treatment course will cost students $91-$100 without insurance," McQuilkin said. Students should not necessarily go straight to the emergency room if they have symptoms, according to McQuilkin; rather, the most important thing for students to do is see a doctor quickly if they are experiencing a fever, sore throat or cough. The WSU Health Center sees about 10-15 people a week with an illness or fever. However, only three or four have been diagnosed as presumed swine flu this summer. McQuilkin said the virus does need to be respected and students should act quickly. He believes the virus will come back in the fall with even more of a vengeance once people are in enclosed areas again for classes. The CDC anticipates a vaccine for the H1N1 strain to be available by fall. For more information on precautions regarding the flu, visit the link on our website at www.wsusignpost.com.