Scurry County Health Unit

Summer time does not come alone!!  It brings on summer dangers right alone with the cook-outs, swimming and other outdoors activites. We must be aware of the many things that may occur during the summer.  Here are a few to wrap our minds around:

 Sunburns-Many have become very sick from too much sun explosion.  Too much sun exposure can have serious repercussions.  Sun exposure damages us through radiation, which is why we can be burned while snow skiing as easily as a hot day on the beach.

 Camping-The fire department recommends people use a flame-retardant tent, and always pitch it away from a campfire.

 Driving/ Biking - Summertime is vacation time and now more than ever that means a road trip. The more vehicles on the road, the greater the potential for traffic accidents and injuries. When school is out of session, there will be more young, inexperienced drivers behind the wheel, adding to the risk of accidents. Distracted driving is on the rise, making summer time driving the scariest time for teens, as well as, adults.  Cell phone talking and texting has caused drivers to lose control and caused driving to become even more dangerous! And let’s not forget, highway construction projects.

Fireworks- It wouldn't be summer without the Fourth of July fireworks, Fireworks accidents, unfortunately, are as predictable as ants at a picnic. The National Safety Council reports that, in 2005, an estimated 10,800 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries, nearly half of whom were under 15 years old.
Injuries are not limited to large fireworks with a massive explosive potential. About a third of the injuries were from small firecrackers, bottle rockets, and sparklers.  

Swimming and it's dangers are a top hazard that will be discuss in an additional enclosed article.

 Staying at Home Safely with the FLU

These guidelines will be revised as the situation evolves.

The new type of influenza, H1N1 influenza (sometimes called swine flu) in humans can vary in severity from

mild to severe. So far in the United States and most countries, mild to moderate disease has occurred.

Almost all people in Texas with confirmed H1N1flu (swine flu) have had a fever (50% had a temperature

greater than 102.5°F) and cough; most have also had a sore throat. Almost everyone has stayed home and

recovered in a few days. Symptoms of H1N1 flu are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular

human seasonal influenza (see below)

                                                 Symptoms

fever, very tired, cough, sore throat, headache, runny nose, lack       

of appetite; some may have GI symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting)

Symptoms of influenza tend to be mild and usually last 3 to 4 days. In most cases H1N1 flu will resolve

without medical attention. Sometimes pneumonia, ear infection, or sinus infection may occur at the same

time as or after the flu. Some people have additional risks for developing severe complications with flu.

 Most illnesses with congestion and mild fever are NOT caused by this new type of flu.