H1N1 makes way into Linn County

The first case of the H1N1 influenza A virus in Linn County has been confirmed, health officials announced Saturday.

An adult living in Linn County was diagnosed with the virus last week, according to a statement from Linn County Health Department Administrator Donna Thomas.

Thomas and Linn County Health Officer Jay Allen are working together to follow guidelines provided by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding investigation and follow-up of active and suspect cases of the H1N1 virus, the statement said.

Following the announcement of the confirmed case, Linn County Health Department officials are urging residents to immediately isolate themselves at home if they are experiencing flu symptoms, which include fever, headache, sore throat, body aches and possibly nausea and vomitimg. Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms. A fever more than 100 degrees is the most consistent symptom, the statement from Thomas said.

Residents who become ill should call his or her physician's office to determine if testing or treatment is needed. It is especially important that pregnant women and caregivers of infants 6 months of age or younger call their physician if they or their infant becomes ill or if the infant or pregnant woman has been exposed to the flu.

According to the statement from Thomas, isolating people is the only way to slow the spread of the H1N1 flu virus. Adults and children should not return to work or school until he or she has been free of fever for 24 hours. This recommendation even applies for those people who are taking antiviral medications to treat the flu.

The statement also said that it is important for people of all ages to receive a flu vaccination this year. The H1N1 flu vaccine is not expected to be available until October. Treatments are available that can shorten the course of illness in severe cases.

Two cases of the H1N1 flu virus have been confirmed in Bourbon County since late last month.

According to the Associated Press, health officials across the state are anticipating thousands -- and maybe a few million -- shots by hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacists this fall to help ward off the H1N1 virus, on top of normal annual flu vaccinations.

As of Friday, KDHE has reported 247 confirmed cases of swine flu in 41 counties. The agency also reported 23 hospitalizations and a death last week in which the H1N1 virus may have been a contributing factor in a victim who already suffered from a chronic medical condition. The death occurred in a middle-aged individual who was identified as a Sedgwick County resident, according to KDHE.

To date, more than 350 people in the United States have died from infection with the virus, and more than 5,500 people have been hospitalized.