The town hall meeting, hosted by the Texas Department of State Health Services, will be held at noon Monday in the Dora Roberts Community Center, 100 Whipkey Dr.

DSHS officials will be on hand to present information and answer questions about the H1N1 and seasonal flu strains, including updates on the current status of the outbreak and how to prevent the spread of the flu.

Within the past several months, cases of H1N1, commonly called swine flu, have cropped up in Texas and other states.

Officials are quick to stress that H1N1, while new, is not that different from more common strains of the virus.

“The symptoms are the same (with H1N1 and other flu strains). The only difference is that H1N1 is a strain of flu our bodies aren't used to,” said Stephanie Ferguson, team leader of the local DSHS office.

Flu symptoms include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, cough, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea.

Vaccinations for both H1N1 and seasonal strains of the flu are available locally through DSHS and other sources, Ferguson noted.

Ferguson said there are common-sense steps people can take to lower their risk of infection, including regular washing of hands, covering one's nose with a tissue when sneezing and avoiding persons who are sick with the flu.

Dr. Scott W. Barclay, a local physician who specializes in family medicine, seconded Ferguson's comments.

“The best way to avoid a cold or flu is to minimize your risks of illness,” Barclay said in a statement. “The number-one tactic to protect yourself and your family from the flu is to get both the seasonal and H1N1 vaccinations.”

The next line of prevention is to minimize your exposure, Barclay added.

“If a H1N1 outbreak hits your area before you're vaccinated, be extra cautious,” he stated. “Stay away from public gathering places like malls, sporting events and churches. Wash your hands frequently and keep them away from your eyes, nose and mouth. And remember, you cannot catch H1N1 from eating or touching pork or poultry.”

If you contract the flu, treatment is basically the same, regardless of strain. Ferguson and Barclay both urge people to visit their healthcare provider, as well as taking such time-honored steps as getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of water or juice

“For mild cases of influenza, plenty of rest, liquids and over-the-counter medicines will help ease symptoms,” Barclay stated. “Over-the-counter cold and flu medications may help lessen symptoms like a cough and congestion, but these medications will not reduce your likelihood of spreading the flu.”

Contact Staff Writer Steve Reagan at 263-7331 ext. 234 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it