NEW JERSEY: Councilman urges residents to ask questions about H1N1
Last updated: Saturday September 19, 2009, 4:20 PM
BY JESSICA ZUMMO
Like many in society who still have concerns and fears pertaining to the Novel H1N1 Influenza virus, a.k.a swine flu, Councilman Richard Carson is worried as well.
To increase not only his knowledge, but those in Vernon, Carson set out and spoke to a number of infectious disease specialists, in hopes to further educate the residents of key facts pertaining to a possible upcoming return of the virus.
Carson stated that “the bottom line is, as citizens, we need to be aware of the swine flu, how it is progressing, and the facts about treatments and vaccines.”
According to Carson, the specialists think that the H1N1 virus will return to the states as early as October, much early than the seasonal flu. He also stated that the earlier H1N1 virus has mutated and is now a “cousin” of the original. “Meaning…vaccines just may not work,” he added.
Carson said that through all his research, he has found absolutely no medical authority that can say in confidence what this (swine flu) will do to society, how many individuals it will attack, or if the vaccine will have any affect at all.
Another concern of Carson’s is what is not known about the long-term effect of the vaccine. Carson added that “the medical research profession is basically split 50/50 on whether it is safe, or if it potentially would cause long-term medical issues.”
Though the vaccine is still being considered “relatively safe”, said Carson, he urges everyone to just “do your homework and ask questions.”
Carson concluded with reminding the public that there is no cure for swine flu. Though there are some venues to limit the duration of the symptoms, such as Tamiflu, “prevention is key,” he stated.
According to the State of New Jersey Department of Health, people must take everyday actions to stay healthy, including covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, washing hands often with soap and water, using an alcohol-based hand cleanser, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
For more information, visit www.state.nj.us/health/flu/h1n1.shtml.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/health/other_health/Councilman_urges_residents_to_ask_questions.html
Northern Ireland:
Holidaymaker’s death is linked to swine flu
By Seanin Graham Health Correspondent
19/09/09
http://www.irishnews.com/appnews/540/5860/2009/9/19/627926_394291060477Holidaymak.html
HEALTH officials last night confirmed that the death of a 21-year-old Belfast woman in Barcelona was being linked to swine flu.
Corinna Richie was the second person from the north whose death was connected to the virus this week.