ACMH officials say strength of H1V1 flu is unknown factor

Renatta Signorini

Jul. 31, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- ACMH Hospital officials expect the H1N1 flu to reach Armstrong County later this year, as the virus is expected to surge in the fall and winter.

But many questions remain about the strength of the virus -- known as the swine flu -- and how it will react to vaccines.

"Armstrong County has not had a confirmed case ... but the flu does continue to spread," said Beth Johns, infection control coordinator at ACMH Hospital. "We will see cases in Armstrong County."

Three summits for community leaders and employees were held this week by hospital officials to disseminate information about the symptoms of H1N1 and how to prevent the spread of it. The summits were a proactive measure by the hospital to prepare community leaders with details about the virus and expectations health care workers have and were held .

"This is no more serious at this point than the seasonal flu," said hospital medical director Dr. Harold Altman.

The H1N1 flu was confirmed in the United States in April and has infected people in more than 70 countries. It is a combination of swine, avian and human influenzas and is spread from person to person. Symptoms are similar to the seasonal influenza and may include gastrointestinal ailments.

Prevention methods for the spread of the flu include hand-washing, staying home from work and disinfecting surfaces frequently. A vaccine is expected to be available in the fall for those considered to be "high-risk" -- the young and elderly, pregnant women, health care providers and anyone with underlying health conditions.

Countries in the Southern Hemisphere -- which are experiencing winter -- have reported cases of the flu, said hospital president John Lewis. He expects the area's work force to be hit hard this fall and winter, estimating about 40 percent of people will be affected by the flu.

Although the H1N1 virus has not been found in Armstrong County, surrounding counties Allegheny, Butler, Westmoreland and Jefferson all have confirmed cases, Johns said. In Pennsylvania, 1,900 H1N1 flu cases have been confirmed, she said.

The young have seemed to be more susceptible to the virus, Johns said -- the mean age of H1N1 patients in Pennsylvania is 19.

Officials speaking at the summit said predicting the severity of the flu is difficult because the majority of cases are mild, but the virus could mutate as it spreads. The main goal is to keep cases isolated, Johns said, by practicing good hygiene, checking family members for symptoms and taking the normal precautions for the seasonal influenza, such as rest and drinking liquids.

Altman said that it is important for public places to stay clean to prevent the spread of H1N1 virus. Plans should be in place for health care offices to handle a case, Altman said, and the emergency room should only be used for patients with extreme symptoms.

"The infectivity is 24 hours prior to symptom onset," Altman said.

Antiviral medications are expected to be used for treatment of H1N1, said Robert Maher Jr., director of clinical services with Klingensmith's Drug Store and assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Duquesne University.

The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to provide protection for the H1N1 virus. Maher said about 160 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine are anticipated. How those doses will be distributed is uncertain, he said.

A slide show presented at the summit is expected to be available on the hospital's Web site www.acmh.org.

Renatta Signorini can be reached at rsignorini@tribweb.com or 724-543-1303, ext. 219.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0309-36894375