Martell – Amador County Public Health Department is taking every precaution in preparation for the upcoming flu season, potentially made worse by the growing threat of the novel H1N1 flu virus. The most recent strain of H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, was first reported in Mexico earlier this year. The US now has 37,000 documented cases and 211 documented deaths from H1N1. One case of the virus was discovered in an Amador County man who returned from Mexico in mid-April, but Amador County Health Officer Dr. Robert Hartmann assured that that case was mild and the man recovered to full health without any spread of the illness. On June 11, the World Health Organization raised the worldwide Pandemic Influenza Alert Level to Phase Six, the highest such designation for a flu outbreak. Hartmann said “heavy case counts are present in the southern hemisphere of the world.” He said Amador County Public Health is collaborating with local partners to prepare for Fall 2009 flu season. The partners are the Amador County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, Sutter Amador Hospital, Department of Corrections, and Amador County Unified School District. He also said seasonal flu vaccinations will occur earlier this year. Hartmann said the County has obtained its allotment of Tamiflu, the most effective product found so far in combating the virus. Federal health officials say the vaccine for H1N1 will be available in mid-October. On Wednesday, Public Health released three educational brochures that outline ways to prepare for flu season and the symptoms of H1N1, which include “a fever of 100 degrees or higher, cough, trouble breathing, head and body aches, sore throat, vomiting and/or diarrhea” and “chills.” H1N1 symptoms are very similar to seasonal flu. Hartmann is asking all individuals to take the same basic steps they would to avoid any other flu virus. This includes washing your hands often with soapy, hot water for 20-30 seconds, staying home if you are sick, covering your sneezes and coughs, and planning for all family members to receive a seasonal flu vaccine this fall. Please contact Amador County Public Health at 223-6407 if you have further questions. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.