More on "The Influence"

Did you know we get the term "influenza" from the Italian word for "the influence"? It seems the Italians of earlier times believed the illness was caused by unfavorable astrological influences. Later medical thinking led to a modification of the full name to influenza del freddo, or "influence of the cold." Enough etymology for today.

As of 1pm today in Mississippi:

• Mississippi's count of confirmed H1N1 swine flu cases remains zero. However, H1N1 continues to spread in the U.S., and Mississippi will almost certainly be seeing human cases at some point.
• MSDH and CDC are the only authoritative sources for testing and confirmation of human H1N1 cases in the state. MSDH will promptly inform the public of any laboratory-confirmed human cases.
• H1N1 swine flu continues to resemble seasonal flu in severity. It can cause illness for four to six days, with the very young, the old, and those with underlying medical conditions being at risk for more severe illness.
• Mississippi has received its shipment of antiviral medication from the national stockpile and will distribute it to health care provers in the state as required.
• The State Public Health Laboratory will soon be receiving materials from the CDC necessary to perform all H1N1 testing in-house for quicker confirmation of human cases.
• Influenza, including H1N1, is characterized by the sudden onset of fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and weakness.
• General infection control procedures are still the best recommendation for Mississippians: wash hands frequently and well with soap and water or an alcohol sanitizer; avoid unnecessary contact with those who are ill; stay home if you are sick, and cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Pork is entirely safe to eat, and no one can contract H1N1 influenza by eating pork, ham or bacon. H1N1 influenza is currently being passed from human to human.