Genesee County Health Department
Better Life Through Better Health

Release Date: Immediate                 Release End Date: May 1, 2009

Contact Person: Mark Valacak

Phone: (810) 257-3615, (810) 257-3812

RE: Swine Flu Information

For information regarding the current swine flu outbreak, the public is encouraged to call the Genesee County Health Department’s Swine Flu hotline at (810) 257-3887. Detailed information regarding the outbreak can also be found by visiting the Genesee County Health Department’s website at www.gchd.us, and clicking on the Swine Flu Information and Updates link. This information is being updated regularly.

We are not experiencing an influenza pandemic at this time. The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people with swine flu have also had diarrhea and vomiting. If you have any of these symptoms visit your healthcare provider.

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza, including:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

  • If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

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