Franklin County has its first confirmed case of the H1N1 swine flu virus - and health officials are reminding people to take precautions to protect themselves from getting the flu.
Health officials say the virus was confirmed in an 8 year old boy at the Apalachicola Bay Charter School – it’s believed there was also a second case in an 11 year old girl.
Both children have made full recoveries.
Health officials are not surprised that the flu strain has been found in Franklin County, there have already been a number of confirmed cases in neighboring counties.
The Health Department expects to begin a major vaccination program against H1N1 as soon as the vaccine is made available which they hope will be late this month or in early October.
Until then, they recommend that people take some very simple actions to minimize the chances of contracting the virus or from spreading it.
If someone in your family is showing flu-like symptoms, they should not go to work or to school and should go to the doctor.
Try to avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
Washing your hands frequently throughout the day is a very effective way to limit the spread of the flu virus, and try to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
The Health Department and the local school system are also planning to hold a presentation on the H1N1 virus this month to provide residents with the most up to date information on the flu.
That presentation will be held Tuesday, September the 22nd at 7 PM at the Franklin County school cafeteria.
The state of Florida also has a toll free number which you can call from 8 PM to 8 PM 7 days a week for updated flu information.
That number is 1-877-352-3581.
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