City of Sanibel Monitors H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
The City of Sanibel Emergency Managers continue to monitor the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) situation and are maintaining communication with the Lee County Health Department, Florida Department of Health and federal offices.
For More Information Contact: Sanibel Police Emergency Management (239) 472-3111
City of Sanibel Monitors H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
The City of Sanibel Emergency Managers continue to monitor the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) situation and are maintaining communication with the Lee County Health Department, Florida Department of Health and federal offices. The H1N1 immunization program is being administered by the Lee County Health Department at the sole discretion of the Director of Public Heath, Dr. Judith Hartner. The Lee County Health Department website (listed below) is the best source for the most up-to-date information on H1N1 and for availability of immunizations through their clinics.
The City of Sanibel strongly recommends residents and visitors monitor the following websites for the latest information on the swine flu:
Lee County Health Department http://www.leechd.com/
Florida Department of Health http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/immune/index.html
Centers for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
US Dept. of Human Health http://www.flu.gov
Twitter Links (Posted by CDC) http://twitter.com/BirdFluGov
A Florida toll-free number (800) 775-8039, has been established to answer questions regarding swine flu. As of October 22, 2009, there have been 4 confirmed H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) fatalities in Lee County. According to the Florida Department of Health, the symptoms of Swine Flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the swine flu. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
Sanibel residents and visitors should follow precautionary and preventative measures listed below and recommended by local and national health officials:
- Wash hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with an anti-bacterial soap and hot water.
- Avoid touching your mouth, nose and/or eyes with your hands
- Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough
- Avoid contact with persons who have flu or flu-like symptoms
- People with respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community
- If you have a fever, cough, body aches and/or other flu-like symptoms, see your health care provider and avoid contact with other people
The City of Sanibel continues to monitor this situation and any information obtained will be disseminated to the public immediately.