DURHAM -- Swine flu concerns have caused the Durham Fire Department to limit nonessential contact with the public throughout the flu season.
Starting in November, the department will stop attending community events, including activities at schools. Such requests average about 40 a month.
Residents can still tour any fire station but they must first wash their hands or use a hand sanitizer. Station tours will be limited to the outside of stations and where fire trucks are parked. Children will not be allowed inside the trucks and won't be able to touch face masks or other protective equipment.
The precautions follow similar efforts taken by Chapel Hill firefighters. Durham firefighters, because they also respond to medical calls, will be required to take flu shots, said Durham Fire Chief Bruce Pagan. He wants to prevent a situation in which too many firefighters miss work due to swine flu. No Durham firefighters have caught the virus thus far, he said.
"The chance of contracting the virus is very high because health-care workers and people in that category typically come in contact with individuals who have a number of medical-related issues," said Pagan, who will consider reinstating community events in January. "Colds, flu, viruses and a lot of other conditions could exist with those types of patients. That's why it's really important as to why we try to provide a level of protection for our firefighters."
The H1N1 virus, first detected in Mexico and the U.S. in April, has spread around the world and is commonly believed to pass from person to person via airborne particles and other means. Coughing, sneezing, soreness and high fever are typical symptoms. The most at-risk groups for complications are children, pregnant women and people with underlying illnesses.
More than 1,000 swine flu cases have been reported at area colleges, including almost half of the Duke University football team. Triangle hospitals have placed strict restrictions on young visitors, including banning those under 18.
North Carolina is one of 27 states reporting widespread flu activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Covering one's mouth while coughing and staying home if you're sick are among the ways people can prevent spreading the virus. Hand sanitizers have been placed on all Durham fire trucks.
