As of 1 p.m. May 13, the Delaware Public Health (DPH) Laboratory has confirmed 55 cases of H1N1 influenza. One case was hospitalized but was released and is recuperating. All other cases are recovering after mild symptoms.
Individuals with questions about H1N1 Influenza should call DPH’s Office of Health Information and Epidemiology at (302) 744-4541 or visit DPH’s website (link provided below).
DPH advises physicians to use H1N1 influenza antivirals only for individuals at high risk for influenza complications (those over age 65 or having a chronic disease), or for seriously ill and hospitalized patients. This treatment is consistent with CDC guidance and allows DPH to direct its resources to designated high-risk groups. To prevent the spread of the H1N1 influenza virus and many other communicable diseases:
– Wash hands often with soap and water, or clean them with an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
– Cover mouths and noses with tissues when coughing or sneezing, and preferably cough or sneeze into your inner elbow.
– Do not travel to work or school if you are sick, but stay home instead.
– Those ill with flu symptoms should wait seven days after onset of symptoms, and 24 hours after symptoms have subsided (whichever is longest), to return to work or school.
Link to Delaware Health and Social Services update on H1N1:
@link
href=’http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/index.html’>www.dhss.delaware.gov/link
Link to CDC update on H1N1 as of May 18:
@link
href=’http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/’>www.cdc.gov/link
Link to Weekly Influenza Activity Estimates as of May 18, 2009:
@link
href=’http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm’>www.cdc.gov/link
