Niagara County, NY (WKBW) -- The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has confirmed thirty-six (36) cases of Novel H1N1 Influenza A in Niagara County to date.

According to officials, the number of laboratory-confirmed cases represent only a small fraction of actual cases in the area, as testing is no longer routinely done.

The majority of H1N1 infections diagnosed in Niagara County occurred in school-aged children. Thus far, no children, and a few adults under age sixty, have demonstrated any immunity to the H1N1 virus.

Signs and Symptoms of H1N1 Swine Flu infection are similar to seasonal flu, with fever greater than 100 degrees, headache, sore throat, body aches, and may also include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Antiviral medications can prevent infection or ease symptoms, but are not effective if given later than two days after the onset of influenza-like-illness symptoms.

Overall, H1N1 illnesses in the US have been relatively mild. Most H1N1-infected individuals, who died from complications, had pre-existing medical conditions. The same groups that are at increased risk for complications from seasonal flu, are at increased risk for H1N1-related flu complications.

Individuals in the high-risk categories should not attend mass gatherings or functions where others could be ill.

The CDC defines the H1N1 infectious period as one day before the onset of flu symptoms until seven days after. Therefore, adults and children with influenza-like-illness should stay home and away from others for no less than 24 hours after a fever ends without use of fever-reducing medication, and up to seven days after symptoms begin if returing to an environment with high-risk individuals.

The New York State Department of Health has established an H1N1 Hotline that provide additional information to concerned individuals, and can be reached by calling 1-(800)-808-1987.

Additional H1N1 information can be found at the following websites:

NYSDOH
Center for Disease Control
Niagara County