Published: July 02, 2009 01:22 am      

HEALTH: Local programs have policies in place to prevent swine flu spread.

Warm weather has arrived in Niagara County, and so has swine flu. But day camps and other places kids congregate are taking extra precautions to fight the spread of the disease here this summer.

The H1N1 influenza, the technical name for swine flu, has been reported throughout the county and state. Most of those cases involve children, a potential worry for parents, as summer outdoor programs abound. But local organizations such as the Lockport Family YMCA are addressing those concerns by implementing policies to help limit the spread.

“We’ve added a screening; every camper is given a physical by the regular nurse on staff,” Executive Director Mark Albiez said.

The YMCA runs a summer program at its East Avenue location, but also runs a camp. Camp Kenan in Barker offers family camps, as well as week-long and day camps for children. Its is also the location for Camp Happiness, a one-week day camp for people with developmental disabilities. The screening and physicals are in addition to what the YMCA normally does, part of which is to receive health and safety information from local, state and federal agencies. The YMCA gets information and tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Niagara County Health Department and the state Office of Children and Family Services. The national YMCA also sends recommendations.

Albiez said some of those recommendations include watching for flu-like symptoms in adults and children and keeping equipment regularly cleaned and disinfected.

To date, the New York State Department of Health has confirmed 18 cases of H1N1 in Niagara County.

Because H1N1 is now widespread throughout the state, the Centers for Disease Control and the state department June 16 released new recommendations for testing, treatment and reporting. The new guidelines discourage testing and treatment of mild cases, except in individuals with underlying medical conditions, or in residential settings, such as group homes or nursing homes.

Individuals with mild flu-like illness should contact physicians by phone for evaluation and should not report to physician offices unless instructed to do so by their doctors. They also should not report to hospital emergency departments for testing. The vast majority of people will recover without any treatment, and testing will not influence treatment decisions, the county department said.

The county health department said H1N1 infections are expected to continue throughout the summer, and efforts will continue to address the situation, as well as to prepare for the upcoming fall flu season. Production of a new H1N1 vaccine will begin in July, and it may be available as early as October.

The department said people can take the following steps to reduce the risk of H1N1, as well as any other respiratory infection: Cover coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or disposable tissue, dispose of tissues in a wastebasket and immediately wash the hands. People should wash hands often with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing the nose, before and after eating and after using the bathroom.

Also keep hands away from eyes, nose and mouth. Many respiratory infections are picked up by touching the eyes with fingers contaminated by viruses, the county department said. In households, keep family toothbrushes separate and consider individually designated tubes of toothpaste to avoid cross-contamination from one family member to another. Stay home if sick with flu-like symptoms and keep ill children home from school or day care. Avoid unnecessary contact with individuals who show signs of respiratory illness.

The New York State Department of Health has an H1N1 information hot line. Call 1-800-808-1987.