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By Laura Long Martin, SevierCountyNews.com - In a media teleconference at noon today (Friday) Tennessee Health Commissioner Susan Cooper and Tim Jones, State Medical Epidemiologist, gave an update on the outbreak of a novel influenza virus (H1N1 or “swine flu”) and Tennessee’s response to this public health challenge.

“Pandemic does not mean panic,” Cooper said, confirming that the word “pandemic” simply means “widespread” and does not indicate the severity of an illness. Ordinary seasonal flu and the common cold are also considered “pandemic” when many persons in a community have symptoms.

To date, the Tennessee Department of Health lab has tested 70 specimens and has identified three probable cases of the novel H1N1 virus in the state but have not yet been confirmed by the CDC. 

Three schools have been closed in Tennessee due to these probable cases including one school in Davidson County. The three probable cases identified are all persons with mild symptoms and all three are at home and doing well, Cooper said.

As of April 30, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had identified 109 nationwide cases of the swine flu and only one death (The individual who died was 23-month-old boy from Mexico, who died in a Texas hospital) was reported. 

The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. In addition, the Federal Government and manufacturers have begun the process of developing a vaccine against this new virus.

The Department of Health recommends frequent hand washing with warm soapy water, keeping hands away from your face, eyes and mouth, and covering coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue. If you have the flu, stay home from work or school. These simple precautions can help prevent the spread of swine flu. other types of flu, and the common cold.

High-risk persons, such as the elderly or persons with compromised immune systems should see a physician if they think they have been exposed to any strain of the flu.

The TDH has repeatedly stated that persons cannot contract the H1N1 virus by eating pork.