First Confirmed Cases of New Flu A H1N1 in LA County

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles County Health Officer, Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, has confirmed that there are three cases, including one case in Long Beach, of new flu A H1N1 (previously called "swine flu") in Los Angeles County.

"These cases do not change our recommendations to the public, but only confirm what we have already suspected: that this new flu virus is here in LA County," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. "We continue to remind residents that they should not panic. So far, this new flu virus looks and is acting like the regular, seasonal influenza that we already know. You can prevent the spread of this new virus by following the same precautions that you normally follow to avoid getting sick."

These recommendations include:

*Wash your hands frequently. Use hand sanitizer when you cannot get to soap and water.

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

*Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.

*If you or your child has flu-like symptoms such as fever, coughing, fatigue, or sore throat, stay home from work or school and recover. Do not return to work or school until one to two days after symptoms end. This will help prevent the spread of illness to others.

If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, you should care for yourself the same way you would with any illness:

*Stay home and rest.

*Drink plenty of fluids.

*Prevent spreading illness to others by washing your hands frequently and avoiding close contact to others.

For more information on this new flu A H1N1 ("swine flu") and for frequent updates, please check the Public Health website at http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises more than 4,000 employees and an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do, please visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

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