There are currently eight suspected cases of swine flu in the MD/DC/VA region, although cases have been identified in several other states in the United States as well as in other countries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are diligently investigating the outbreaks to better understand the disease and its transmission.
The following is a brief summary of information released by public health officials:
What do we know?
*The 2009 H1N1 virus is a new influenza virus that contains genetic pieces from four different virus sources. Today (5/3/09), CDC has reported 226 human cases, more hospitalizations and one fatality. The more recent illness and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the U.S. The WHO has raised its alert level to 5. Most people will not have immunity to this virus, and as it continues to spread, more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths are expected in the coming days and weeks.
*Symptoms of the 2009 H1N1 flu are nearly identical to those of regular seasonal flu - fever, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, and occasionally vomiting and diarrhea.
*The 2009 H1N1 virus is susceptible to two major prescription antiviral drugs (Tamiflu and Relenza).
*As a result of intensive investigation and monitoring by CDC and WHO, numbers may expect to increase
*Cases in the U.S. have been relatively mild as compared to those in Mexico. The reason for this difference is are unknown at this time.
*Because this strain is new, there is no vaccine against the H1N1 flu. The past year's flu vaccine does not provide protection against the new strain.
*Initial steps are being taken to begin development of a vaccine to provide protection against this strain, but a decision to do so has not been made yet. If this is done, it likely will take at least six months before the vaccine would become available.
*The 2009 H1N1 flu is spread from person-to-person like other flu viruses. The virus is NOT spread by eating pork.
What Can You Do To Protect Yourself And Your Family?
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illness like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
*Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, please shield your nose and mouth with your arm and not your hand.
*Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze, or before you eat. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective when used properly.
*Whenever possible, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Viruses can be spread this way.
*Avoid close contact with individuals with respiratory infections, if feasible.
*If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, stay home from work and/or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Contact your healthcare provider and they will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
For the most up-to-date information available from the CDC, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov.
1 comment:
Can you believe that all those hygiene lessons you learned as a child can really make a difference if you actually practice them?
Don't forget to sing the alphabet or happy birthday while you was your hands!
Post a Comment