Our county health officials and state health officials are monitoring the outbreak of H1N1. On May 8, 2009, the Arkansas Department of Health confirmed five cases of H1N1 Influenza A virus, four in Pulaski County and one in Lawrence County. Since then the virus has spread, but as the Department reported in July of 2009 the "illness is milder than what scientsts feared at first." However, the virus is life threatening. As of September 10, 2009 there have been five confirmed deaths in Arkansas.
Arkansans and citizens worldwide are taking precautions to stay healthy and avoid contracting H1N1. The World Health Organization declared the threat level associated with the outbreak of the H1N1 flu a pandemic alert. In August of 2009 WHO released important information for us all as the flu season quickly approaches.
Schools in Arkansas and all across America are teaching proper handwashing and ways for students not to spread germs and taking precautions.
What is H1N1 (Swine Flu)?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza
Is the H1N1 flu virus contagious?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human the same way the seasonal flu spreads.
What are the signs and symptoms of the virus in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most importantly: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
U.S. officials have begun releasing some of the 50 million doses of Tamiflu and Relenza from the strategic stockpile in order to treat potential cases when they appear. CDC officials have stated that local deployment of one quarter of the antiviral drug courses will be completed by this weekend.
More on the Situation
CDC Streaming Health Channel
Guidance for Professionals
Reports and Publications
Press Briefings
Travelers and Travel Industry
Past Daily Updates on Swine Flu
General Information on Swine Flu
Swine Flu & You
Key Facts
How I Can Help 
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