Senator Butler holds meeting about H1N1
by Terrance Kelly
Fever, sore throat, aching muscles, cough, a runny nose and extreme fatigue might indicate the presence of the seasonal flu virus or it could be the novel H1N1 virus. How are they different and how should the public respond to the possibility of these health threats?
Answering those and other public health questions was the reason for a recent town hall meeting held by state Sen. Gloria Butler (District 55) at Berean Christian Church in Stone Mountain. Dr. Patrick O’Neal, director of the Division of Emergency Response Department of Community Health, and Dr. Les Richmond, director of the Community Health & Prevention Services, DeKalb County Board of Public Health, answered questions, and gave plain-talk explanations about the two viral infections, what is being done to ensure public health and what individuals can do.
The health community, they said, has braced itself for a pandemic—worldwide spread of a contagious disease or virus.
“Even in this day and age, we do not have the technology to prevent a pandemic,” explained O’Neal. “The possible pandemic we’ve prepared for is not bad. Our plans have been geared to something severe. In April, H1N1 first got attention in Mexico, then in the U.S. As we gathered more information, the CDC said it’s a mild-to-moderate pandemic–a level one or two which is the same severity level as seasonal flu.”
Why is there such urgency about H1N1? O’Neal said the heightened public awareness campaign is necessary, because people have not built up antibodies to fight H1N1, and there may be more deaths.
“More folks will catch H1N1,” he continued. “Kids will be out of school. Parents will have to stay home, and the work force will be impacted. That affects overall society.” The Georgia Department of Community Health recommends waiting 24 hours after fever is gone before returning to school or work.
O’Neal said the worst situation would be a mass number of illnesses during a short period, instead of a large number of people becoming ill over a longer period of time. “There are only so many hospital beds and a limited amount of vaccine,” he added.
Flu season starts by November, Richmond said. It peaks in February and March, and can last until May. People need information to stay healthy, and DeKalb County is working to reach residents.
“We’re trying to make sure we communicate to DeKalb County’s diverse communities,” Richmond said. “We have a number of interpreters to deal with the various populations in the county. Also, we’ve reached out to faith-based organizations to help by becoming potential sites for vaccinations. With about 500 employees at DeKalb Department of Health, that’s not enough to vaccinate the number of people who’ll need vaccinations.”
O’Neal said H1N1, a re-assortment of viruses from humans, pigs and birds, spreads from coughs and sneezes. He advised, “Cough into your elbow or shoulder to help prevent spreading. Don’t use your hands, because it could be transferred to others.”
“Perhaps some citizens may be concerned about not being able to get the H1N1 vaccine because of the cost,” Butler said. “As we learned, the vaccine is free. Another issue that is of concern is pregnant women who are fearful of getting the vaccine because they believe the vaccine will injure the unborn baby. I’m hopeful the medical community will take every precaution to protect the mother and the baby.” |
