H1N1 puts health care in sharp focus

While the nation's health care system is being shaped on Capitol Hill, the need for effect health care couldn't be more apparent.

President Obama has declared a national emergency and H1N1 is widespread nearly everywhere, including Nebraska and Kansas.

The latest four deaths show that this round of flu continues to prey on those who already have health challenges, including a woman from Lancaster County in her 60s with serious underlying health problems, a man from South Central Nebraska in his 40s with chronic underlying health conditions including cardiac disease, a Sarpy County woman in her 50s with a blood disorder and another death announced by the Douglas County Health Department. They bring the total to seven H1N1 deaths for the state.

We usually think of older people as vulnerable to the flu, but many apparently acquired immunity over the years.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following receive the H1N1 vaccine first:

* People 6 months to 24 years old.

* Pregnant women

* People who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months.

* Health care and emergency medical service personnel

* People 25-64 years old with underlying medical conditions.

With many homes where two parents work, it's important that families have a plan for dealing with H1N1 if and when it strikes, making sure those with the flu stay home as long as they should -- at least 24 hours after their fever ends.

Fortunately, most people who get H1N1 recover on their own without additional treatment. However, if you are moderately to severly ill with a cough or sore throat and a fever over 100 degrees, particularly if you have underlying medical conditions, you should see your doctor.

As always, there are common-sense steps you can take to deal with H1N1 and seasonal flu:

* Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

* Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear sick

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

* Cover your mouth and nose when you cough with a tissue, not your hands

* Stay home from work, family gatherings and social functions if you're sick

More information is available at http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/H1N1Flu/ or http://www.flu.gov/