Buncombe County Government North Carolina

County News

Swine Flu -- Now Known as H1N1

This news item expired on 5/31/2009, so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.

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Buncombe County H1N1 Flu Hotline: 250-6400

CDC Update

The Latest H1N1 news:

  1. CDC does not want this virus referred to as Swine Flu. It involves pieces of the Swine flu, Avian flu and Human flu viruses. Now refer to it as H1N1 virus.

  2. Based on guidance from the NC Division of Public Health the County Health Center will be issuing isolation orders for all suspect cases. This order requires them to remain in their home for 7 days from the onset of symptoms or until their test returns as negative. This order is enforceable by law. The importance of compliance can not be emphasized enough as a necessary public health measure to contain the spread of this infection in the community. Family members of suspect cases are being asked to voluntarily isolate themselves as well.

  3. Limiting nonessential travel to Mexico is the only travel warning that CDC has issued to date.

  4. There are no confirmed cases of HINI Influenza in NC as of now.

  5. The Health Department met with first responders, community agencies and faith based organizations today to update them on the situation and to prepare for further intervention in the community if necessary.

  6. The Strategic National Stockpile has arrived in North Carolina and Buncombe County will be receiving its allotment at any time. Included in the push pack are antiviral, mask, gowns and gloves. These will be made available in the community as needed. The antivirals will be used for treatment only at this time.

  7. Remind the public that this situation is changing daily. The guidance from the State and CDC is changing daily. The knowledge regarding this influenza and what we can expect is changing daily.

  8. Refer the public to the County's website wich is continuing to add information, guidance and updates.

Today the Health Center is focusing on what the public can do to prepare in case the situation worsens, what they can do to protect themselves and their families. You are encouraged to be prepared as well:

  • WASH YOUR HANDS, WASH YOUR HANDS
  • Use hand sanitizer if you don't have access to soap and water
  • Stay at home if you are sick;
  • Cough or sneeze into the bend of your arm-- not your hands
  • Keep up your immunity by getting enough sleep and eating properly
  • Use common sense in travel--avoid places with confirmed cases of the virus
  • Check out our website for daily updates
  • If you have a runny nose, cough, sore throat, and fever of 100.4 or higher call your doctor or our health clinic for instructions

For more information, visit: