Doctors and school officials in Baldwin County reported a growing number of flu cases in August 2009 as the H1N1 outbreak spread through the region.
Physicians were treating dozens of patients, most of them children. Dr. Awadhesh Gupta of Foley said the volume of cases was notable as communities around the country monitored the new H1N1 strain, widely referred to at the time as swine flu.
Cases in schools
At least 25 flu cases had been reported at Baldwin County schools during that week, with at least one new case reported each day. Some of the illnesses had been confirmed as H1N1, according to the report.
School leaders expected every school in the county to have an active case by the end of the month. Nurses wore protective masks, provided masks to sick children and sent health alerts home to parents as they monitored students.
Prevention guidance at the time
Doctors emphasized basic prevention measures as families prepared for the school year. Their recommendations included frequent handwashing, avoiding touching the mouth, turning away when coughing, using tissues when sneezing and promptly reporting illness to a doctor.
Gupta said patients with Type A influenza tests were considered likely to have one of the novel H1N1 infections circulating at the time. Health officials were concerned that travel and the wide distribution of outbreaks could contribute to cases appearing in new places.
This account reflects the local response during the 2009 H1N1 outbreak. Guidance and public-health conditions can change, so readers seeking current flu advice should consult today’s health authorities and medical professionals.