Probable Swine Flu Cases at New York City High School
The New York City Health Department is currently giving a live news conference where they say over 100 students at a private New York City high school in Queens are ill with probable cases of swine flu. Laboratory findings found swine flu but the CDC will also test the samples and report their findings tomorrow. The NYC Health Department representative says the virus does appear to be spreading fairly easily from person to person. He said the best way to prevent the spread of the flu is to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. You should also wash your hands regularly.
The good news with these cases is that none of the students were hospitalized and all of the students have relatively mild symptoms. One student according to NY1.com described the flu as saying it "feels like a 20-pound baby is sitting on my chest."
"My chest is really tight, it feels like a 20-pound baby is sitting on my chest," said one student. "I have shortness of breath, I can't even walk up the steps, and as you can hear I'm stuffy and my coughing is getting really bad."
The NYC Health Department says if the CDC confirms the case as swine flu tomorrow then they will recommend closing the private school in Queens. The NYC Health Department also mentioned a day care center where 30 children are sick. Testing is underway with the daycare cases. However, they are not aware of clusters at any other schools.
In related news, CNN says Health officials in Kansas say they have two confirmed cases of swine flu.
