by Terri Kelly Barta
Ransom County Public Health is working closely with local health partners to make sure the communities in the county are prepared in the case of a large flu outbreak.
Deb Bergstrom, director of public health for the county, said that the vaccine for the seasonal flu (not  H1N1) has arrived. She recommends that everyone get one as seasonal flu can be as dangerous as the H1N1 if the immune system is weak and a secondary infection such as pneumonia occurs.
As far as the H1N1 (swine) flu, Ransom County is expected to receive about 1,000 doses of the vaccine, for the first shot in the two-shot H1N1 series, in mid-October, although it is not guaranteed, according to Bergstrom.
Information on when the vaccine will come and who will get it first are a little sketchy at this point. Pregnant women and children (6 months to age 23) will probably be the first to get it with health care workers, and the general public after that. It is not known at this time if more vaccine will come later. The vaccine is being produced as fast as it can to be ready, in case of a pandemic (H1N1 prevalent throughout an entire country or region).
Most importantly, people need to educate themselves on the flu and the best way to prevent it.
“All we need to do is the same as we do for regular flu,” said Dr. Barbara Sheets Olson, Ransom County Health Officer.
She recommends staying home until the fever has stayed normal for at least 24 hours.
Everyday actions can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect health: Wash hands often. Don’t rub eyes, nose or touch the mouth unless hands have been washed first. Either use a tissue to cover mouth when a person needs to sneeze or cough or turn and cough into the arm. Throw the tissue away and wash hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol. Avoid close contact with sick people. If someone gets sick that person needs to stay home from school or work until he or she is well so as not to infect others.
If a person thinks they have the flu, they should stay home, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Most people will get through the flu just fine by taking care of themselves. Stay home both for your own recovery and so as not to spread the disease to others.
If children experience the following warning signs, seek emergency care at the clinic or after hours at the emergency room: trouble breathing, bluish skin color, not drinking enough fluids, not waking up or not interacting, child is so irritable he or she does not want to be held, if the symptoms improve and then return with fever and worse cough or if a rash accompanies the fever. In adults, emergency warning signs that need immediate medical attention are: difficulty breathing, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting.
In the case of H1N1 flu, an infected person can be contagious as long as there are symptoms and possibly up to 7 days following the onset of the illness. Children have the potential to be contagious for longer periods.
Antiviral prescription medications such as Tamiflu and Relenza for the treatment of flu and the prevention of secondary infections is best used within the first two days of symptoms. These drugs keep flu viruses from reproducing in the body and may prevent serious complications.
Ransom County Public Health, Lisbon Area Health Services, Family Medical Clinic, Southeast Medical Clinic, and Innovis Clinic in Lisbon, and MeritCare Clinic in Enderlin, along with the various nursing home facilities in these communities  are all working to keep this county safe and healthy.
The public will be notified when the first of two H1N1 vaccinations is available.
Three web sites that can be accessed for more flu information are: www.ransomph.homestead.com, or www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or www.ndhealth.gov
Keep informed, use common sense, and stay home when sick.

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