Although Scotland County has had only one documented case of swine flu so far, and that from an out of state resident who was visiting the area, the situation could change at any time according to Tina Clark of the Scotland County Health Department.

"H1N1, or swine flu, has been reported in 57 of North Carolina's 100 counties so far," Clark said. "Because this illness strikes people differently, some requiring hospitalization and others not, the numbers we have could be low. Chances are if someone has flu-like symptoms, they could have H1N1."

As the county's preparedness and response / communicable disease supervisor, Clark gave an update on the malady to a group of county agency leaders at a recent meeting in Laurinburg.

The Center for Disease Control and the state say that we need to plan for both the H1N1 and the seasonal flu as well," she said. "The vaccine for H1N1 is now being prepared, and will soon undergo clinical trials. It should be ready in the fall."

Vaccinations could be made available through the health department, private providers, or pharmacists, according to Clark.

"Once the vaccine is ready, two injections will be required, with the second one administered 30 days after the first."

Flu season is generally considered to begin in October and last until February or March, Clark said. In the event of a major outbreak of influenza this fall, the county health department is presently in the planning stages to compile a list of volunteers who may be asked to assist with everything from administering the vaccine to secretarial duties.

"The health department is just a small group," she said. "Should 36 or 37,000 vaccinations be recommended, we would require a lot of help. If someone is a trained nurse, we would ask them to volunteer to give injections. If they are a doctor, they may be asked to evaluate patients. Persons with clerical experience could assist by registering people."

Carol Ann Lentz, executive director of the Scotland County Chapter of the American Red Cross, said her agency stands ready to assist in whatever capacity is required.

"I am on a committee which will meet to plan how to address the situation should mass vaccinations be advocated," she said. "The Red Cross will also be helping to educate the community on ways to prevent transmission of the H1N1 virus."

As with many types of illnesses, Clark said that taking preventative measures can go a long way toward slowing the spread of the influenza virus.

"If you are sick, stay home and self-isolate," she said. "If you are coughing, practice good sneeze and cough etiquette by covering your mouth. Wash your hands frequently and don't touch your eyes or other mucus membranes."

Clark said that while there is no way to predict what the fall flu season will bring, the state has mandated that every county prepare a vaccine delivery plan with the expectation that swine flu will return.

For more information about the H1N1 virus, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or www.ncpublichealth.com. You may also call the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for information at 1-800-662-7030.