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The latest Swine flu news by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) reports 648 confirmed cases in 40 states of the United States. There have been two reported deaths both in the state of Texas.
The CDC is currently not recommending wide-spread school closings because of the mildness of this Swine flu (H1N1) outbreak so as of today May 7th all schools in the United States have re-opened.
Because of this current outbreak of H1N1, the CDC has implemented its emergency response. The goals are to reduce the spread and severity of H1N1 and to provide information to frontline primary care and emergency care physicians. The CDC has distributed its emergency stockpile of anti-viral drugs, protection equipment and testing kits to all US states and territories.
In late April of this year, at the end of what would normally be the flu season – Mexico began reporting a large number of cases of flu like illnesses. Because of the number and the lateness of the year for these types of symptoms, Mexican health professionals began testing patients and identified this new strain of swine flu (H1N1). The majority of these cases were reported in the area of Mexico City which is currently the largest city in the world. It is believed that Mexico is the country of origin with this current outbreak.
The CDC reports the symptoms of H1N1 are very much like the normal flu – fatigue, aching muscles, fever, sinus problems, respiratory problems, vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms usually run their course after a few days. If a patient has further problems or fever over 101 degrees, they should call their primary physician. Anti-viral drugs Relenza and Tamiflu have both proven effective in helping to relieve symptoms. It is important to drink plenty of fluids while ill with any type of flu.
H1N1 seems to be contracted exactly in the same ways as seasonal flu virus. This virus is spread from person to person mainly thru sneezing and coughing by those who are sick or infected by the virus. People can also be infected by touching an object such as a door knob or computer keyboard which has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, eyes or nose.
Some ways to keep from spreading this flu are to wash hands frequently, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue and dispose of the tissue after use. If you share a work space with anyone, be sure to wipe your desk and computer down with a sanitizing wipe or other sanitizing product at the end of the day. If you have flu like symptoms, stay home and contact your family physician especially if you have recently traveled to Mexico. If your child is sick, don’t send them to school or daycare.
H1N1 virus is not transmitted by food. Humans can not get this virus from eating pork or pork products. This virus is not a food born disease.
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