We recived a call today from the March of Dimes. They asked for our help to provide First Aid Coverage for their Akron Walk on the morning of May 9th. The group they had previously scheduled could not do it. This is short notice but I am sure we can find several people to help. If you can help please contact Doug Dever.
On April 26, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a nationwide public health emergency declaration in response to recent human infections with a newly discovered 2009 H1N1 flu virus. As of April 30, there have been 109 human infections with this H1N1 virus in eleven states, which include Arizona, California, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas.
The 2009 H1N1 flu has been confirmed in Mexico, Spain, and Canada. Suspected cases are being investigated in the UK, Brazil, Israel, Australia and New Zealand.
The H1N1 flu virus is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. H1N1 flu viruses do not normally infect humans; however, human infections with H1N1 flu do occur, and cases of human-to-human spread of H1N1 viruses have been documented.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working very closely with officials in states where human cases of the 2009 H1N1 flu have been identified, as well as with health officials in Mexico, Canada, and the World Health Organization.
CDC has prepared interim guidance on how to care for people who are sick and interim guidance on the use of face masks in a community setting where spread of this 2009 H1N1 flu virus has been detected. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide new information as it becomes available. This information can be accessed at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and whether additional people have been infected with H1N1 influenza viruses. This includes deploying staff domestically and internationally to provide guidance and technical support. CDC has activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate this investigation.
Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the H1N1 flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with the H1N1 flu infection in people.
In addition, the H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. CDC has determined that this H1N1 flu virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people. The incubation period is 24 to 48 hours.
I know that Medical Reserve Corps members stand ready to assist. I encourage all of you to help educate your neighbors and fellow community members about the H1N1 flu and how to prevent the spread of germs. There are precautions we can all take to help prevent the spread of germs that cause influenza. If you feel sick, stay home from work or school and limit your contact with others. Call your doctor to talk about your symptoms. I encourage all of you to practice the following prevention principles:
Furthermore, I ask that you share these principles with all of your contacts. Encourage organizers in your community to announce these principles at the beginning of all public events or large social gatherings where groups of people are in close proximity, such as conferences, performances, religious services and sporting events.
HHS is taking many steps to be proactive in responding to this new influenza virus by offering national tools in support of community-led preparedness and response efforts. For more on the 2009 H1N1 flu, visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu
At the May Meeting of the NORTHEAST OHIO MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS (NEOMRC) we will be presenting “Diabetic Emergencies”. In addition this presentation we will be discussing other NEOMRC business and upcoming Volunteer Events and Needs. The date of the meeting is Thursday 05/28/2009 and will take place from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
The meeting will be held at the SOLON MEDICAL CAMPUS of SAINT VINCENT CHARITY HOSPITAL in the basement meeting room. This facility is located at 33001 Solon Road, Solon, Ohio 44139.
As a courtesy please CLICK HERE and let us know if you will be there. You can come to the meeting even if you do not fill this out, we want to have an approximate head count.
We have posted volunteer information for the MS Pedal to the Point Ride 2009. This is the largest volunteer event that NEOMRC in involved in every year. We encourage everyone to volunteer.
Please check out the volunteer information at the MS Pedal to the Point Ride 2009 on the website. If you wish to volunteer please fill out the form at the bottom of the page and we will be in touch with you to confirm receipt and supply additional information.
At the April Meeting of the NORTHEAST OHIO MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS (NEOMRC) we will be providing an American Heart Assoc Basic Life Support Refresher Class. This class will be free to all NEOMRC members who have paid their 2009 dues, if you have not current, the class will cost $20 and included will be your 2009 Membership Dues.
In order to take this Refresher you need to meet the following requirements:
The date of the meeting is Thursday 04/23/2009 and will take place from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Please note the earlier start time.
The meeting will be held at the SOLON MEDICAL CAMPUS of SAINT VINCENT CHARITY HOSPITAL in the basement meeting room. This facility is located at 33001 Solon Road, Solon, Ohio 44139.