Acase of H1N1 swine flu has been confirmed in North Brunswick. The case involves an adult male from the town and was reported on May 28. This case is unrelated to two other cases in Middlesex County — Highland Park and Edison residents who attend a private school in Piscataway, according to the Middlesex County Public Health Department (MCPHD).
H1N1 flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans; however, human infections with swine flu do occur.
You cannot get swine flu from eating properly handled and properly cooked pork or pork products, experts have said.
The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, lack of appetite, muscle aches, chills, coughing and fatigue. Some people have also reported a sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
David A. Papi, the director/health officer of MCPHD, said it is important for residents to know the symptoms, to report any illness to school nurses or a medical doctor and to practice respiratory hygiene.
Respiratory hygiene practices include covering coughs and sneezes with tissues and disposing of tissues properly, or by coughing and sneezing into your upper sleeve; washing hands with soap and water often; using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available; staying home if you are sick; and contacting a doctor if there are any symptoms of the flu.
Other healthy habits residents should follow include eating a well-balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting rest.
The Public Health Department’s Division of Epidemiology and Public Health Preparedness and the Nursing Division are continuing to work with county hospitals, health care providers, local and state health departments, schools, child care centers and other departments and agencies to ensure quick identification of influenza cases in Middlesex County.
Information is available at http://co. middlesex.nj.us/publichealth/.