RUMFORD — Preparations are under way to protect people from the H1N1 flu virus, the local Rotary Club was told Monday.
Patricia Duguay of the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition said the agency is educating the public on precautions to be taken to prevent the spread of the virus. She said covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and staying home when sick are important to prevent or curb an outbreak.
“This is a shared responsibility. We all need to be involved,” she said.
In Maine so far, Duguay said 381 people have contracted H1N1, with 19 requiring hospitalization and one dying from the illness. Most of the cases were in southern Maine, with a few in Oxford County and none, so far, in Franklin County and northern Maine.
A flood of H1N1 cases may not happen, she said, “But we’re being prepared.”
Among the ways to prevent the spread of the swine flu virus, as well as the seasonal flu virus are:
• Using hand sanitizer to clean hands and use alcohol or detergents to clean items that others may have handled, such as telephones, desks and tables. Duguay said the virus can remain alive for eight hours.
• Using, then discarding, paper tissues rather than using cloth handkerchiefs.
• Keeping a longer distance from those who are coughing or sneezing.
• Isolating those who have contracted the illness.
Duguay said fever is the most definitive symptom of H1N1. Those with the illness are generally expected to experience a mild version, but can expect to be sick or out of work for a week.
Seasonal flu shots are already available in some places, Duguay said. H1N1 vaccines are expected to be available later this fall, with the first shots to be administered to high risk people such as those who are pregnant or health care workers. She said two shots may have to be administered to fight the H1N1 virus.
Those most likely to contract the H1N1 virus are infants to those age 24, Duguay said.
Additional details are listed on www.maineflu.gov
Duguay is available to speak before employee or organization groups by calling 364-7408.
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