Cecil County
Health Department
401 Bow Street
Elkton, MD   21921

 CONTACT: Vince Freeo, Public Information Officer 410-996-5113 ext 233
                      vfreeo@dhmh.md.us

 HEALTH DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS ACTIONS TO STAY HEALTHY AND AVOID SWINE FLU

April 29, 2009 - Human cases of swine flu have been identified in several states in the U.S.  The federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and local health departments are monitoring this outbreak closely.  Cecil County Health Department is also working with Union Hospital, Cecil County Government, local health care providers, and other human service agencies to prepare for the possibility of swine flu in the county.  "Working together with our partner agencies, local physicians, and the public is critical to an effective public health response to swine flu in Cecil County," says Health Officer Stephanie Garrity.

 To date, there are no known cases of swine flu in Maryland, Delaware or Pennsylvania and there are no known threats from any individual who might have traveled to and from the state in recent weeks.

 Swine flu, like seasonal flu, appears to spread from person to person. The symptoms of swine flu are no different from common seasonal flu. These symptoms could include fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, sore throat and dry cough. Any individual experiencing symptoms is asked to exercise the following common sense precautions to avoid infecting others: 

• Wash your hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing, and wiping or blowing the nose.
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Use paper tissues when wiping or blowing your nose; throw tissues away after each use. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth - germs spread that way.
• Stay away from crowded living and sleeping spaces, if possible.
• Stay home if you are sick and avoid contact with other people to protect them from catching your illness.