Pacific County Prepares for Swine Flu

South Bend, Washington - In an effort to coordinate a county-wide partnership in preparing for Swine Flu, The Pacific County Health Officer, Dr. James Edstam and the Pacific County Health and Human Services Director Kathy Spoor conducted a conference call with partnering local health providers, Monday, April 27, 2009.  The purpose of the call was to inform local health providers of the current status of the Swine Flu outbreak and measures being taken locally to prepare. 

The Pacific County Health and Human Services Department received notification yesterday that they will likely receive a portion of the Strategic National Stockpile, a store of medications such as Tamiflu and Relenza, cached specifically to respond to outbreaks similar to the Swine Flu, and other supplies such as masks and gloves.  Pacific County Health and Human Services informed local health service provider partners of the plans for distribution of the medications upon receipt from the Strategic National Stockpile. The County is waiting for direction from the State regarding the allowable use of the medications and other supplies being provided.  Distribution of the antiviral medications will most likely be prioritized for those who are diagnosed with swine flu.

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Information received from the Center for Disease Control states that Swine Flu symptoms are similar in nature to regular human influenza that happens each year.  The virus is transmitted through coughing, sneezing, and on contact surfaces.   Residents are encouraged to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, wash hands with soap and water frequently, particularly after coughing or sneezing, and avoid contact with sick people.  In addition if you are sick, see your health care provider, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.  For those exposed to swine flu illness may develop anytime during the following seven days, infectiousness precedes symptoms by about one day.

The Pacific County Health and Human Services Department has placed a fact sheet for local residents on the county website at http://www.co.pacific.wa.us/.  Updated information will be placed on the website as the situation develops.  Information may also be obtained through the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.