The Mississippi Department of Health reports that the numbers for the H1N1 flu, commonly known as swine flu, continue to rise in the state. As of yesterday, the confirmed cases total 839, including five deaths. The latest death occurred in Tippah County.

Symptoms of swine flu are similar to other strains of flu, including fever, cough, sore throat and nausea. No vaccine is available for this flu, yet, but the Centers for Disease Control expect one to be available in mid-October.

Officials continue to urge healthy, basic sanitary measures to prevent the spread of flu, especially now that children are back in school and in daily contact with other children. Topping the list of preventive measures are frequent soap-and-water hand washing and covering one's nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. If you are sick, stay home; if your children are sick, keep them home as well.

For additional information, see the MDH Web site.

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152018

Comment

Baptist Medical News Network will host a free, live webinar on seasonal flu and swine flu (H1N1). The guest speaker will be Baptist Medical Clinic's Dr. William Harris this Friday, September 18 at 2 p.m. CST. Dr. Harris will discuss prevention tips, symptoms, and treatment. To view and listen to the webinar, log on to www.mbhs.org/mednewslive. For more information, contact the Baptist Health Line at 601-948-6262.

Author

Ronni_Mott

Date

2009-09-17T15:03:32-06:00