Swine flue cases reported in Knox, Whitley and Laurel

Health officials have confirmed swine flu cases in each of the Tri-Counties and with the start of the school year fast approaching, the public needs to be more aware than ever on how to control the spread of the H1N1 virus.

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services reported that one case was confirmed in both Whitley and Knox counties as of the last state-wide reporting update on July 24. The Laurel County Health Department also confirmed that one case had been reported in the county in July.

Officials remind those who think they may have the H1NI virus to seek treatment or testing to be sure. Typical treatment of the influenza is the administering of Tamiflu within the first 48 hours of observations of symptoms._

There have been 164 confirmed swine flu cases in the state of Kentucky, and no deaths. The H1N1virus is thought to spread the same way the seasonal flu spreads, mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with are infected with the virus.

The same steps used to prevent the common cold apply when trying to prevent swine flu; wash hands often, cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, stay home if sick, and avoid crowded places in indoor spaces.

A government panel recently recommended that pregnant women, health care workers and children six months and older be placed at the front of the line for swine flu vaccinations this fall.

The panel also said those first vaccinated should include parents and other caregivers of infants; non-elderly adults who have high-risk medical conditions; and young adults ages 19 to 24.

The groups recommended to receive the novel H1N1 influenza vaccine by the CDC include:

¥ Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;

¥ Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants less than 6 months old might help protect infants by "cocooning" them from the virus;

¥ Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;

¥ All people from 6 months through 24 years of age

¥ Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in children and they are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and

¥ Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population; and,

¥ Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.