Swine Flu Information and Precautions

May 1, 2009; archer cmsuser

Courtesy of Archer County

Emergency Essentials Kit for Swine Flue

Print a copy of this emergency essentials list and take it with you to the store.

• · 3-day supply of nonperishable food that needs no cooking
• · Hand-operated can opener
• · Plastic plates, cups, utensils
• · Portable, battery-powered radio
• · Land-line phone with long cord
• · Extra batteries for flashlights, lanterns, radio
• · Extra cell phone battery or car charger
• · Whistle
• · Smoke detector with battery for each floor
• · Carbon monoxide detector with battery backup
• · Fire extinguisher
• · Non-scented bleach for sanitization
• · Sunscreen
• · Insect repellant
• · Shovel and basic tools
• · Red Cross approved first aid kit
• · Backup prescriptions for essential medications
• · Hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes
• · Toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags
• · Dental care and vision products
• · Travel-size soaps and other beauty supplies
• · Change of clothes, pair of shoes and blanket per person
• · State and regional road maps
• · Basic repair items (tools, tire patch kit, engine oil)
• · Games, books, puzzles
• · Nose and mouth protection masks (N-95 rating)
• · Plastic sheeting
• · Duct tape
• · 3-day supply of non-perishable pet food and water
• · Cage or pet carrier and leash
• · Pet medications and pet first-aid kit
• · Current photo in case you are separated
• · Cat litter and box
• · Pet bed and toys
• · Formula, bottles, powdered milk
• · Diapers
• · Baby wipes
• · Diaper rash ointment

     

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

What is swine flu?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (HINI) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?

CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1Nl) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

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How does .swine flu spread?

Spread of this swine influenza A'(HINI) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork. products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning I day· before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?

First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better

  

Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to those of regular or seasonal flu and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite and coughing. Some with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Health officials say everyone should follow standard precautions to reduce the spread of any respiratory illness.

Practice healthy habits to stop the spread of germs

• ·  Wash your hands often with soap and water. This removes germs from your skin and helps prevent diseases from spreading.
• ·  Use waterless alcohol-based hand gels (containing at least 60% alcohol) when soap is not available and hands are not visibly dirty.
• ·Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and put your used tissue in a wastebasket.
• ·  If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not your hands.
• ·  Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing, using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand gel.

Seek medical care if you feel sick

• ·  If you become sick with a fever plus a cough and sore throat or have trouble breathing, seek medical care right away. Tell your doctor if you have had contact with a sick person or farm animals while traveling.
• ·  You should avoid further travel until you are free of symptoms, unless traveling locally for medical care.

After you return from Mexico

• ·   Pay close attention to your health for 7 days.
• ·  If you become sick with a fever plus a cough, sore throat or have trouble breathing, see a doctor.  Make sure you inform the doctor about - Your symptoms, and - Where you traveled.

 

Information courtesy of the Texas Department of Health and Dallas County Health & Human Services Department