Swine Flu: Facts and Prevention Tips The recent outbreak of swine flu in Mexico and the United States is of great concern to all. On Sunday, April 26, 2009, the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/ en) declared the illness a public health emergency. Swine flu is a respiratory virus that typically occurs in pigs. Like the many forms of influenza virus that occur in humans, it mutates constantly, creating new strains, and can sometimes be transmitted to human beings who have close contact with the animals (such as farm workers). The strain that is causing the outbreak in Mexico and the U.S. (called swine influenza A or H1N1) has mutated so that it can now be transmitted from person to person. Symptoms associated with swine flu include: • Fever • Lethargy and lack of appetite • Coughing • Nasal congestion • Sore throat • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea While the initial source of this outbreak appears to be Mexico, multiple countries are now reporting confirmed cases, 18 countries have officially reported 898 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection(As of 1600 GMT, 3 May 2009). Mexico has reported 506 confirmed human cases of infection, including 19 deaths. The higher number of cases from Mexico in the past 48 hours reflects ongoing testing of previously collected specimens. The United States Government has reported 226 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (85), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Denmark (1), France (2), Germany (8), Ireland (1), Israel (3), Italy (1), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (4), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (40), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (15). Some of the confirmed cases have been mild, but others have resulted in serious illness and death. Given the nature of international travel, flu can spread rapidly throughout the globe in a relatively short period of time. Health officials are concerned about the potential for worldwide spread of the illness (also called “pandemic”) because this strain is new to humans. As a result, the flu shots that were issued over the winter provide no immunity to the illness. In addition, the virus appears to be resistant to some of the antiviral drugs that are typically used to treat the flu. The number of young, seemingly healthy people who have been affected by the illness in Mexico is also cause for concern as the typical flu virus is rarely fatal except in the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. WHO’s recommendation for avoiding swine flu is to take standard flu season precautions. These include: • Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth. Person to person transmission of a virus can result from touching another person, then absorbing the germs into human body. • Wash hands frequently. Use warm water and soap (if no warm water, use alcohol-based soap) and rub vigorously for at least 30 seconds. • Keep hand sanitizers in car or purse. Use after handling money, touching items that others also use (such as a gas pump), and before eating restaurant food. • Eat healthy. Eating foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E will strengthen your immune system. Try to start each day with a healthy breakfast. • Take vitamins and supplements. A good multi-vitamin can help strengthen immune system, as can drinking green tea. • Drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Water flushes out human system and keeps you hydrated. • Practice stress management. Too much stress can weaken the immune system. Exercise and find ways to relax, such as listening to soothing music, meditating, practicing yoga, reading, or watching a comedy show. • Get plenty of rest. Adults need at least seven hours of sleep per night, children more. Insufficient rest increases the chances of getting sick. • Don’t share drinking containers. Shared drinking containers spread germs fast. Use disposable paper cups in the bathroom, and wash water bottles before refilling them. • Use a separate set of towels for each family member. Give everyone a different color or pattern. • Disinfect. Clean doorknobs, phones, computer keyboards, bathroom sinks, kitchen counters, and any other items that are frequently shared. • Wash child’s toys with soap and water regularly,especiall y if he or she tends to chew on them. • Avoid party dips and food trays that do not contain utensils. Others may have touched the food with their hands but not taken it, or anyone may have had a chip double-dipper in front of others. • Keep a scarf or mask over your nose and mouth. If anyone is worried about the spread of germs, s/he may want to keep individuals’ face covered in crowded public places. • Stop smoking. Smoking kills cilia — the fibers in nose and lungs that prevent mucus from clogging these airways. • Stay home. While it may be difficult to miss time at work or school, keep in mind that being out in public when anyone contagious increases the odds that others will get sick. Like other forms of flu, swine flu is a respiratory illness that is transmitted by person to person contact. If individual or family members come down with flu-like symptoms, it is recommended to take the following steps to care for him/her and prevent the spread of the illness. The WHO is requesting that individuals with flu symptoms isolate themselves by staying at home, even if they are only experiencing mild symptoms. • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw tissues away immediately after use. • Wash your hands after blowing your nose or coughing. Make this a consistent habit to avoid spreading germs. • Don’t share a bed with another person if you are sick. Wash bedding and blankets after the sick person recovers. • Spray garbage cans with disinfectant to kill germs and keep those who handle the garbage from getting sick.When to Seek Medical Attention If anyone experiencing flu symptoms that indicate an urgent need for medical attention include: • Difficulty breathing • Discomfort or pressure in the abdomen or chest • Dizziness • Confusion • Persistent or severe vomiting Children who are ill need immediate attention if they: • Have a bluish skin color • Refuse liquids • Are irritable and refuse to be held • Have a fever with a rash • Can’t wake up or are lethargic or unresponsive When in doubt, need to consult with physician. The scope of the swine flu outbreak is still being determined. Until more information is available, it’s best to stay calm and take appropriate precautions to prevent illness. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness