news-record.com

Keeping the public health dangers of the H1N1 virus, known as swine flu, in perspective since it crossed the border from Mexico in the spring has been a challenge.

When initial fears of a worldwide pandemic quietly subsided, complacency set in. But the death of a Guilford County man June 19 from H1N1, the first confirmed in the state, and an uptick in reported cases underscore that a threat exists.

Although the unidentified man previously had been hospitalized for unrelated treatment, H1N1 was listed as cause of death. Nationwide, those numbers also are rising.

This week, North Carolina recorded the largest jump in confirmed cases since it began announcing totals. In all, 39 counties have had 179 cases.

But as a state epidemiologist noted, “Confirmed cases are just the tip of the iceberg.” That’s due to the state’s reporting policy, set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, which excludes specimens from private practices.

Given the rising case counts, compilation guidelines should be changed. Only by expanding the data sources can there be an accurate accounting of the outbreak’s severity.

For now, it’s best to opt on the side of caution. For example, hospitals are treating patients with flu-like symptoms and people in their contact with medications that lessen impact.

However, the fact that flu, which normally takes a summer hiatus, lingers on is unsettling. All the more reason for the CDC to move swiftly in stockpiling drugs like Tamiflu and work on perfecting an effective serum in time for next winter’s flu season.

Yet common sense must prevail. People with flu-like symptoms should stay home and take over-the-counter remedies. Beyond that, seeing the family physician or going to a care center may be better than visiting an already crowded hospital emergency room.

Parents also should think twice about sending children to summer activities because health officials say H1N1 makes youngsters sicker.

Even though there’s no reason to panic, turns out swine flu is the real thing, after all.