SWINE FLU IS HERE

Lubbock County sees first confirmed case of swine flu
By Joshua Hull Avalanche-Journal
Thursday, May 21, 2009Story last updated at 5/21/2009 - 1:42 am

Lubbock County reported its first confirmed case of H1N1 flu, better known as swine flu, Wednesday in a young boy who has already nearly recovered from the virus.

Nancy Haney, director of the Lubbock Health Department, said the boy, who is under five years of age, first contracted flu-like symptoms Friday before being taken to the hospital on Saturday.

The boy took anti-viral medicine and is well on the way to a full recovery. His family, which was tested as well, has not contracted the virus but will stay indoors for a week to keep the flu from spreading.

Haney said she couldn't reveal any more information about the boy because of confidentiality agreements, but believes they have identified the source of the infection and have successfully quarantined the virus.

The Lubbock case was the first recorded in Texas since May 11, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Of the 694 cases recorded, there have been three deaths.
Haney said she believes there may be more cases that weren't reported across the state, but as the mild nature of the virus was better understood those infected responded in kind.

"I think people when they were getting flu symptoms they stopped going to the doctor and they started taking care of at home," she said. "People are treating it like they would any other."
The health department is reminding residents that the best way to prevent disease transmission is to wash hands regularly, sneeze or cough into a facial tissue and stay home if they aren't feeling well.

http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/052109/loc_442269094.shtml
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*So not to sound cliche or like a whiny person, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE just follow the simple rules of cleanliness - wash your hands often and most importantly, COVER YOUR COUGHS AND SNEEZES!