Bay County has three confirmed cases of swine flu.
The people infected are a 5-month-old female, a 2-year-old female and an adult male in his 20s.
Some residents are still taking precautions to prevent contracting the swine flu virus, but others are no longer worried.
However, with three confirmed cases, Kerry Hunt, Community Health Nursing Director for Bay County Health Department, says the swine flu may be out of the public eye but it’s not out of the public health’s eye.
“We have always expected that we would have a case in Bay County,” Hunt said. “This doesn’t shock us at all.”
Health officials say there is no reason to panic but people should remain concerned about the virus and take certain precautions to protect themselves.
“The other really important thing is that if you do have signs and symptoms of the flu, go ahead and call your provider,” Hunt said.
Officials say taking these steps not only helps you, it protects the community.
“It is the hope of the government that around November we will have a swine flu vaccination available for our population,” Hunt said. “One thing people need to remember is that since this is a new strain of the flu vaccine, really we don’t have antibodies in our body to work against it.”
Because of that, the Bay County Health Department is recommending that everyone come in for what will be a two-shot vaccine for the swine flu virus.
Officials say people will still need to get the separate vaccine for the seasonal flu.
Precautions
Wash hands frequently
Avoid close contact with infected people
Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth
If you have symptoms
Stay home
Cover nose and mouth with tissue when coughing or sneezing
Wash hands frequently
Stay home for seven days, or until symptom-free for 24 hours
Courtesy WMBB News 13
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