| Human cases of Swine influenza A (H1N1) have been identified in the U.S.
No laboratory confirmed cases have been identified in Illinois. At press time, a single case was reported in northern Indiana. The outbreak is ongoing and additional cases are expected, however there is no need for panic.
We will continue to keep you informed and will send email updates as necessary.
What is Swine Flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus. The disease causes outbreaks in late fall and winter similar to those seen with human influenza infection.
Information is available at the State of Illinois Department of Public Health http://www.idph.state.il.us/flu/swine_flu_mex.htm or on the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ or WHO website http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
What are the symptoms of Swine flu in humans?
The symptoms of Swine flu are similar to the symptoms of common influenza infection and include fever, tiredness, muscle aches, runny nose, coughing, and sometimes sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Who should be tested for Swine flu?
We are considering the possibility of Swine flu in patients with a febrile (with fever) respiratory illnesses who have traveled (in the last 7 days) to an area where human cases of Swine influenza have been identified. If a patient has a febrile respiratory illness, they can be tested for influenza in the office- based on clinical criteria, a patient may be treated for influenza with an antiviral drug and/or considered for a more specific Swine Flu test.
How is the Swine flu diagnosed?
There is a rapid test available to diagnose influenza (Swine flu and other influenza ) available at our office. If an individual has a positive flu test with travel to the endemic area, and/or meets other clinical criteria, further testing with nasopharyngeal swab may be recommended to confirm Swine Flu. At the present moment, this test is being performed by the State of Illinois Department of Public Health at its facilities.
How do we think it is spreading from human to human?
The virus probably spreads via respiratory droplets in the air (the same common influenza virus), but this is not certain at this point. People at risk of acquiring Swine Flu are those who were within 6 feet of a patient with documented infection.
What is the incubation period and communicability?
The incubation period (time from exposure to symptom onset) is likely 1-3 days. Infected patients are likely contagious from one day before symptoms begin until Day 7 after symptoms begin.
How long can an infected person spread Swine flu to others?
People with Swine flu should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What is the treatment for Swine Flu?
The treatment is an antiviral drug that decreases the viral load in the body. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. Swine Flu is susceptible to Relenza (zanamivir) and Tamiflu (oseltamivir). These treatments are only useful if started within the first 48 hours of symptom onset.
Is there a vaccine for Swine Flu?
There is no human Swine Flu vaccine, although Baxter is currently working towards this goal.
Should I take preventative medication (Tamiflu) to prevent the Swine Flu?
At this time, post exposure prophylaxis is ONLY recommended for individuals who had been within 6 feet of patients with confirmed Swine Flu. If a large population of individuals that do not meet the above criteria take medications unnecessarily to prevent the flu, the virus could become resistant and the medication will cease to be effective.
Can I catch Swine flu from eating pork?
No. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Please cook pork to an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
What should I do if my child or someone in my family has a fever and a cough right now?
Do not assume it is the Swine Flu. There are still millions of viruses that produce cold/flu like illnesses with fever. We are considering for diagnosis those individuals that
1. have a fever and a cough or other symptoms of the Swine Flu
2. have traveled to an area where the Swine Flu has been diagnosed within the last 7 days
3. have been within 6 feet of someone who has been diagnosed with the Swine flu.
We do have the ability in our office to diagnose influenza from a quick test (this test will pick up Swine flu and other seasonal influenza). At this time, a clinical decision will be made by your healthcare provider to determine if an antiviral drug will be prescribed. A more specific test can then be performed to diagnose the Swine Flu if indicated. This test would be analyzed at the Illinois Department of Public Health.
How can I protect myself from the Swine Flu? (derived from the CDC)
1. Wash hands frequently: This will lessen the chance of carrying or transmitting any viruses that normally get stuck on the hands in day-to-day activities. Try to avoid rubbing eyes or touching nose with dirty hands. Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol- based hand cleaners are effective.
2. Try to avoid people who are coughing and sneezing: The CDC advises people to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash after using it. Try to teach your kids to do the same. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to- person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
3. If experiencing flu-like symptoms with fever, make a sick appointment. If you are diagnosed with the flu, the CDC recommends that people who get sick stay home from work or school until asymptomatic and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
4. Taking a trip to Mexico? Rethink your plans. Unless you have a compelling reason to go, you might want to reconsider. Many airlines, including United Airlines, Continental, US Airways and American Airlines, are waiving cancellation fees on tickets to Mexico.
5. Stay informed and plan ahead: Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said it's important to stay informed about what's going on in one's community, and whether the authorities -- such as the state or county health departments -- have issued any recommendations. Here is a website to access the state of Illinois Department of Public Health updates http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/press09/4.27.09 MexicanSwineFluUpdate.htm
6. Keep sick kids out of school, and stay home from work if you are sick. Aside from providing needed rest, such absences protect others from catching whatever you or your kid has. Keep at least a few feet's distance if you have the flu or are interacting with someone who has the flu. The communicable distance for most flu viruses is about three feet, so keep clear of this radius in order to avoid spread. If dealing with a flu case at home, make sure the flu sufferer (and even those who interact with this person) wear facial masks to lower the chances of spread.
7. Avoid surfaces and objects that may be handled by many people. Keep all surfaces and objects around the house clean. This becomes especially relevant if there is someone in that house who is sick or has the flu already. Try to teach kids not to touch their faces. This is like mass transit for germs: straight from the hands to the eyes, nose and mouth. |
