After a summer lull, flu bugs, including H1N1, ‘swine flu,? are spreading through the Clarkston area.
‘We saw 10-15 cases a day in the spring but the number went down in the summer,” said Dr. Tim O’Neill, Clarkston Medical Group. “We’re starting to see it rise again ? we haven’t seen any serious cases so far.”
Several Clarkston area sixth graders caught the flu this past week at a camping trip, triggering an outbreak of about 20-30 cases a day, O’Neill said.
At least three tested positive for H1N1, according to Clarkston Community Schools.
The district follows Oakland County Health Department recommendations, encouraging parents to keep students home if they show signs of illness.
“We reinforce proper hygiene and encourage parents to keep students home if they feel sick,” said Superintendent Dr. Al Roberts. “Teachers accomodate parents and students so when children are sick, they don’t feel they have to come in.”
Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to seasonal flu, and include fever, muscle aches, sore throat, and nausea, but not much vomiting, occuring over 4-6 hours, according to Oakland County Health.
“Prevention is the best strategy to keep from spreading both seasonal and H1N1 flu,” said Anita Banach, communications and marketing director for Clarkston Community Schools. “Wash your hands with soap and warm water, cough into a tissue or sleeve and stay home if you are feeling ill.”
Clearning products used in the district are H1N1 approved. The district sent custodial staff members to Sashabaw Middle School, Sunday, for extra cleaning, Banach said.
“School is in session today (Monday) and we are monitoring attendance rates throughout the district,” she said. “We don’t have exact numbers of sick kids because we did not have school last Friday and many were seen and treated over the weekend. We only have information on a few cases that called in today.”
Cande Tschetter of Independence Township, who teaches public relations at Central Michigan University and Baker College campuses in Auburn Hills and Troy, said common sense is the best defense.
“We have Purell (hand sanitizer) in the classroom, Clorox wipes to clean computers, desks, and hands,” Tschetter said. “I prefer students call or email rather than come to class and then go home early.”
People, especially pregnant women, should get the H1N1 flu vaccine when they become available, O’Neill said.
“I absolutely recommend the vaccine,” he said. “Don’t panic, let’s get everyone vaccinated, and we’ll be OK.”
H1N1 flu is similar to seasonal flu, but is new, first seen in humans just this past April, according to county health. Both types can lead to pneumonia causing death, mostly among the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and in people with weakened immune systems.
It is spread when infected people sneeze, cough, or even talk, spraying the virus into the air where others can breath it in. Flu symptoms usually start 1-4 days after infection. Adults with flu can spread it from one day before symptoms appear to 5-7 days after.
Bed rest, plenty of fluids and non-aspirin pain relievers help most people feel better. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend staying home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone, except to get medical care or other necessities.

Steps to protect your health

? Avoid or reduce contact with infected persons whenever possible;
? Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, not your hands;
? Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective;
? Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way; and
? Get an annual flu shot if you are a member or caregiver of a high-risk group.
? Oakland County Health Department