Swine Flu Spreads through Shelby County
Photo courtesy of cdc.gov
September 25, 2009 • written by Kimberly West
Filed under News
Shelby County has recently experienced its first death from H1N1, also known as swine flu. Michael Howse, an eighth grader at White Station Middle School, died September 5th. Howse was a straight-A optional student, played basketball, ran track, and was the starting running back for the WSMS football team. Officials are trying to determine if there were any underlying conditions that may have contributed to Howse’s death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no reason to panic. Although swine flu has killed over 550 people in the United States, health officials claim that it is no more dangerous than the regular flu. Swine flu spreads rapidly, especially through children, but has not reached the mortality rate of the regular flu, which kills up to 36,000 people per year.
Determining which strain of flu the patient has, however, is a little more complicated now.
“There is type A and type B of the flu. Type B is the regular flu. If it’s type A, doctors presume its swine flu, but they have to get a swab and send it out to get tested to be positive,” school nurse Sara Thompson said.
The CDC has confirmed that a swine flu vaccine will be available in Memphis beginning in October. Vaccination sites will be set up at all Memphis City high schools, along with regional health clinics, which include the Sheffield Career and Technology Center.
Shelby County leaders and school officials tell my eyewitness news that they hope to vaccinate at least one-third of the population, starting with students in Memphis City Schools, Shelby County Schools, and local private schools. Shots will be given to students, parents, staff, family members, and other adults.
Health officials at the CDC suggest that everyone get a two-shot regimen for swine flu in addition to the seasonal regular flu shot. Walgreens is currently offering seasonal flu shots for $24.99.
People with asthma, lung, heart, and kidney disease, chronic neurological disease, suppressed immune systems, diabetes, pregnant women, and those under 5 or older than 65 are more vulnerable to swine flu, and more likely to experience severe symptoms. These individuals are a high priority to receive the vaccine, and should be extra careful to protect themselves until the vaccine becomes available.
Teens who experience these problems have a higher risk from this disease than from the ordinary flu, which already compounds their illnesses.
“I have ulcers, cysts, asthma, stomach spasms, frequent headaches, tubular restriction (kidney problems), and a weak immune system,” sophomore Lacey Denton said. “The regular flu already affects my heath problems. It makes me get very frequent headaches, makes me not eat a lot, and makes it where I can’t drink a lot of water and causes me more stomach spasms.”
Doctors are strongly suggesting that anyone with a fever of 100 degrees or more stay at home. Anyone having respiratory problems [asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, ext.] combined with a fever should call a doctor. Anyone experiencing breathing problems, or a fever with a rash or bluish skin color or lips should go to the emergency room. Doctors also suggest that people should cough and sneeze into their elbow or shoulder instead of their hands to avoid passing germs to other people. Frequent hand washing and use of antibacterial hand sanitizers can help as well.
Children spread the virus easily due to poor hygiene and mingling with hundreds of other kids all day long. It is vital for everyone to learn the best ways to keep from spreading the virus to other students and faculty.
“Bartlett High School students are at risk because they have no immune responses to the virus,” Principal Malcolm Hawkins says, “Do not come to school sick. If you have a fever, stay home. [If you have] any other flu-like symptoms, stay home. Cough in your elbow. Do not eat or drink after anyone else. WASH YOUR HANDS! When the vaccine is available, take the flu shot. I plan to get my shot as soon as possible.”
Due to the potential for panic over swine flu and Howse’s recent death, Shelby County health officials have established an H1N1 hotline, 379-H1N1 (4161), to address any questions anyone may have about swine flu and how it should be handled. Also, Shelby County Schools has provided a number of relevant links on its website: www.scsk12.org.
swine flu is crazy,people just need to watch what they touch
I my opinion, I think a lot of the confusion of swine flu is psychological. If you appear to be moderately sick e.g. coughing, running nose etc. people immediately assume you have the flu and run and scream throughout the halls. I would argue that a person who would have done such a thing has been fed fear of the swine when fear is not needed. For example, if you tell a group a people there is a bug going around, someone in that group is going to believe their sick and cause others to believe they are sick when honestly, there was no bug at all. From a logical standpoint, it seems as if we’re being told a epidemic is being created where one doesn’t exist.
swine flu is gross. wash your hands people
the swine flu is crazy everyone take care of yourself and keep yourself clean and swine flu free.
this is ridiculous and keep yourself clean and dont spread germs and please dont get the swine flu
i dont think the swine flu is good but if people actually took care of there selves they wouldnthave it