Benton has three confirmed cases of H1N1

CORVALLIS - Typically, Charlie Fautin wouldn't be thinking much about the flu in early July.

This year, with a global flu pandemic under way, things are different.

"It's our life," he said.

Fautin is the deputy administrator of public health for the Benton County Health Department.

Novel influenza A (H1N1), commonly referred to as "swine flu," is keeping health officials hopping.

On Thursday, at about the same time President Obama was addressing national leaders at the H1N1 Preparedness Summit, Fautin explained what Benton County is doing to get ready for flu season.

The county has had three confirmed cases of swine flu. The first was reported on June 11 -the same day the World Health Organization declared the virus a pandemic - and the other two shortly after.

However, Fautin said, that doesn't mean those are the only cases in the area. Because the virus has been determined to be not as deadly as originally thought, only people who need or might need hospitalization are being tested for the virus.

Local health-care providers have seen a number of patients with flu-like symptoms this summer, which is unusual.

"We see colds and things like that in the summer, but not generally the flu," Fautin said.

That's a concern when thinking about the future.

"The real question is, what's this going to do in the fall?" Fautin said.

The county has a contingency plan for a pandemic, and officials are now reworking the plan to make it specific to swine flu.

Officials also are trying to get ready for how to distribute vaccines, which they anticipate will be a more complicated process than usual.

"Most years, our message is four words: 'Get your flu shot'," Fautin said.

But flu vaccines take months to grow, so the drugs for this year's flu season were in development last winter, before novel influenza A emerged. A vaccine for the pandemic strain is being developed, but is still in the testing stages.

There will likely be two shots available this fall, seasonal and pandemic.

Other factors - such as how many doses the pandemic shot requires and what population groups will get priority for the vaccine - have yet to be determined.

"The virus is totally unpredictable," said Mary King, program manager for Benton County Emergency Management. "We have no idea what it's going to do, day to day."

Promoting preparedness

Meanwhile, County Emergency Management coordinator Peggy Peirson said her office is promoting the importance of preparedness to citizens.

The agency is working to connect with faith-based groups and volunteer organizations such as Dial-A-Bus.

"These things are critical to peoples' health and welfare," she said. "We can't shut them down because there's another health threat."

The county also is trying to form preparedness plans with small businesses and schools.

Hospitals and government agencies such as law enforcement are a particular area of concern, because if a major outbreak occurs, they will be most stretched when services are most needed.

Peirson said citizens should prepare themselves and their families for an outbreak. She recommends having a supply of food available and prescription medications on hand.

Make a plan for how to carry on if you get sick: Arrange for child care; ask your employer if you can work from home if needed; and know who you can call if you do need help.

Second, help others. Peirson suggested making a list of three people who may have difficulty taking care of themselves whom you can check on and assist.

Finally, Peirson said, if you aren't able to make such preparations, be connected. Get in contact with people who can help you in the event of an emergency.

Frequent hand washing is advised to everyone as an important way to prevent disease.

Peirson said people often want to know how they can get anti-viral medications such as Tamiflu, but cautioned that "there's not a magic bullet for influenza."

The country does have stockpiles of the drugs that will be distributed if needed.

"If they work, they will be available," Fautin said.

If you do get sick, cover your cough and stay home. If you do need medical help, don't hesitate to get it.

at a glance

The Benton County Health Department has updates about the pandemic at its Web site, www.co.benton.or.us/publichealth. Information about disaster preparedness is available at www.co.benton.or.us/sheriff/ems.