Cedar Rapids Weather
Be Cautious But Don't Worry Too Much About H1N1 Flu
CORALVILLE - The University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory sent out about 1,400 Flu testing kits to clinics and hospitals across the state. So far, scientists there have tested about 120 samples, And they expect that number to jump dramatically in the coming days.
Health scientists at the University Hygienic Laboratory in Coralville are testing every potential case of H one N one virus in Iowa. Wednesday's workload included 90 samples. That's double the number of tests on an average day during flu season. Another difference now is scientists are looking for a different strain of flu. "There are a number of H1N1, so you have to put a tag on of swine origin," says Christopher Atchison, director of the University Hygienic Laboratory. One other name associated with this strain is novel virus, meaning it's new enough that researchers don't know what all the effects could be. "Novel also suggests people don't have a built-in immunity over the normal seasonal flu experience," says Atchison. But both scientists and doctors say there's no reason right now to be too concerned or drastically change your daily routine. "I wouldn't over-react just because this is around because thus far this has not been any different than the ordinary influenza that goes around every winter," says Dr. Mark Valliere of Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids. Basically it's seasonal flu out of season. So, go back to the basics of fighting a flu during winter months. And worry about this flu just as much as you would the seasonal flu, even for children. "If normally you would call your pediatrician to take child in, then call. If it's something you usually treated at home, then go ahead and do that," says Dr. Valliere. Be smart but don't ignore flu symptoms like coughing, headache, and fever. For now, the University Hygienic Laboratory sends possible cases of H1N1 to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta for confirmation. But by early next week, the lab should have the equipment to confirm cases on its own. More Good Stuff |
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