5:12-2009                                                                    08:13 AM Central

• Although it has been at almost 2 weeks since the last H1N1 Flu update, Kingman County still has no suspected cases.
• Kingman County Health Dept. continues to contact healthcare providers and the schools daily to check for suspect cases.
• The state number of cases of H1N1 in Kansas is currently at 23 cases, with no deaths at this time.
• Across the United States, 2009 cases have been confirmed in 45 states.
• Datea has been gathered that suggests that only about 25% of people exposed to this flu virus have actually become ill.
• Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is no longer testing suspect cases in Johnson and Wyandotte counties because of the wide-spread nature of the disease in that area.
• Other counties in Kansas are still asked by KDHE to submit tests for all persons suspected of having H1N1 Flu.
• Symptoms of H1N1 influenza are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include
  • Fever greater than 100 degrees
  • Body Aches
  • Sore Throat
  • Respiratory congestion
  • In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting
• The best defense against H1N1 (and any contagious disease) is to:
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to get rid of most germs and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to co-workers and friends.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.
  • Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest and exercise.