With flu season just around the corner and Novel H1N1 virus (often referred to as “swine flu”) spreading worldwide, it is important for everyone to take an active role in keeping ourselves and our community healthy.The University of South Alabama Physicians’ Group Med School Café lecture series for September will feature Dr. William Kevin Green, associate professor of infectious disease and internal medicine at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. Dr. Green’s lecture, “From Pigs to People: What You Need To Know About Swine Flu,” will provide advice on how you can best prepare for the upcoming flu season.
The Med School Café lecture and lunch are provided free of charge, but reservations are required. For more information on Dr. Green’s lecture or to make reservations, please call Kim Barnes at (251) 460-7770 or email kebarnes@usouthal.edu.
H1N1 Quick Facts:
- First detected in people in the United States in April 2009.
- June 11, 2009 - the World Health Organization announced pandemic.
- Spread of novel H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads, mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. It is also possible to become infected by touching a surface or object with flu viruses on it and then touching your mouth or nose.
- The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends taking a few precautions to help stop the spread of the flu virus, including covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, washing your hands often with soap and water, and avoiding close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. CDC recommends staying home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone except to get medical care.
