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A LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH FOR THE TOWN OF OLD SAYBROOK TO THE RESIDENTS
On Saturday May 9th I was notified by the Sate Department of Public Health that there was a confirmed case of H1N1 flu (swine flu) in a resident of the town. This person is home and recovering nicely. Family members of the ill person remain well and have been on antiviral medication since the middle of last week. They continue to be well. Over the weekend members of the Public Safety Leadership Team were in constant communication to help ensure that correct information was shared and that we are prepared for any issue or concern that may arise. There is no risk to the community.
According to Dr. Matt Cartter, the State Epidemiologist, at this point in time it is safe to assume that H1N1 is present in all communities. Like our annual seasonal flu, some people get sick, but most people do not. Unlike the first cases in Mexico, the symptoms and severity of H1N1 flu have been mild in the United States. The two people who died had underlying medical conditions that contributed to the outcome.
So what should all of us living and working in our community do? What should parents be doing to keep their children well?
This flu outbreak has helped put a focus back on the very things we should all be practicing anyway to stay well.
- Wash your hands. Use warm water and soap and scrub hand fronts and backs including fingernails for a minimum of twenty seconds. Hand sanitizer is a good backup if you don’t have access to soap and water.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or with your elbow, not with your hand. If you do cough into a tissue or into your hand wash your hands immediately.
- STAY HOME IF YOU ARE FEELING ILL. THIS INCLUDES SCHOOL STAFF. PARENTS NEED TO KEEP THEIR CHILDREN HOME IF THEY ARE SICK. As a parent, I know this difficult because of work commitments. If you have not already done so, I urge parents to reach out to family and friends who may be able to be a back up if you are unable to stay home with a sick child.
- Call your health care provider (or your child’s health care provider) if you or your child have a fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit with a cough and/or sore throat or if any illness does not improve or if the symptoms worsen.
- Eat healthy food; drink plenty of water, 100% juice and other beverages that keep you hydrated. Limit caffeine, soda and other sugary drinks.
- Get enough sleep. Parents, makes sure your child stays rested.
- Get fresh air and exercise each day. This helps the immune system, and helps with the quality of sleep.
If a resident has a question or concern please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at the office Monday thru Friday from 7:30- 4:00 at 661-3300. You can email me at mengle@crahd.org.
Good health to all,
Mary Jane Engle, R.S., MPH
Director of Health
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