Some PIG and Some Virus. We have a level 4 epidemic but DO NOT PANIC! Here is some information from the CDC website. Click here for the latest information on travel. This is a developing story but there is no need to panic. Just do what I teach the kindergartners. Wash your hands and cover your mouth!
What is swine flu?
It is a respiratory illness, not a food borne illness. So it is OK to eat cooked pork.
Swine flu is a strain of Influenza that is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Swine flu started in pigs and recently jumped to humans likely through someone who works with pigs. We are not sure why this happens but it can be of concern because humans have not built immunity to it. This year’s flu shot will NOT protect you against the swine flu.
The great news is that we have medicine to shorten the duration and severity of the illness. They are Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) and Relenza (zanamivir) and are most effective if started within 36 hours of symptoms.
What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include FEVER >102 lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. BUT fever and muscle aches differentiate it from seasonal allergies.
How long is it transmittable?
The infectious period for a confirmed case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as 1 day prior to the case’s illness onset to 7 days after onset. So if you went to Cancun on Spring break then you are in the clear.
How did it get to Ohio?
A 9 year old boy who lives in Northeast, Ohio recently returned from Mexico. He is being treated at home. The US infections have been very mild with few hospitalizations and no deaths. The jump we saw yesterday was all from the same group of children that had returned from Mexico. They were not new to New York, just newly tested.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy?
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way
Try to avoid close contact (6 feet) with sick people..
• If you have fever of 102 call your doctor FIRST. Don’t want to infect people unnecessarily and tell them if you recently traveled or could have been exposed.
• stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
What about travelers or people that work at CVG?
The CDC has recommended against any non essential travel to Mexico until more is known about the spread of the disease. If you must go, they are recommending that you go ahead and start on the antivirals if you are older or have a chronic illness.
Hand washing is essential but personally I would consider a mask if you have to travel. More importantly if you could have been exposed from recent travel (7 days) or you work with travelers and you have a fever of 102 then call your doctor right away.
The media loves a crisis so what else do you recommend?
First, the symptoms in the US are mild so do not panic. The biggest concern that I have is the possibility of isolation if this becomes a pandemic. We could see a shortage in our food supply as the government could limit travel. This is really far fetched but I believe that EVERYONE, AT ALL TIMES should have about an 8 days supply of food and water. We are not in crisis or panic mode by any means. Extra canned goods, pasta and jugs of water are never a bad idea:)
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