A 53-year-old man is Genesee County's first confirmed case of H1N1 flu, inaccurately referred to as Swine Flu.
UPDATE: WBTA interviewed Randy Garney, interim health director.
The Genesee County Health Department announced this morning that the man was diagnosed in an Erie County emergency room.
He was not hospitalized and is now recovering at home.
Officials are working to determine who may have been exposed during the man's contagious phase. Officials will notify close contacts and family caregivers for signs of illness.
H1N1 is prevalent in the state, according to the health department, and it has been found in numerous counties.
Symptoms are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chill and fatigue. Some victims have reported diarrhea and vomiting, as well.
The health department warns that anyone with these symptoms should stay home. If medical attention seems needed, people should contact a doctor to determine if emergency care is necessary.
Take these precautionary measures to stay healthy:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleansers are also effective.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Place your used tissue in the waste basket.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread that way.
- Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home if you are sick to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
According to the state's health department site, 1,356 cases have been reported in the New York, including 493 outside of NYC.
