Swine Flu – Tips and Tactics

The swine flu scare has everyone in a panic, so I decided this week to write about some tips and resources I’ve come across. The government has declared a public health emergency. As of today in the United States, there are 109 confirmed cases and one death – you can see a list of where the confirmed cases are at this link. New York and Texas have the most cases confirmed in the U.S. (50 and 26) as of today.

A while back, we posted an article, “Say Boo to the Flu” – click here for more information and tips.

Also, here’s an informational video from the CDC:

What is swine flu? According to the CDC: 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.”

According to the CDC, “In response to an intensifying outbreak in the United States and internationally caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin, the World Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 5 on April 29, 2009. A Phase 5 alert is a “strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short.” ”

What can you do to prevent getting the flu? From the CDC website, here are their top tips:

– The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.

– Avoid close contact, especially with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

– Stay home when you are sick.

– Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

– Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

– Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

– Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

– Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.

Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.

There are lots of great tips and links on swine flu at the CDC website.

Another tip I saw that I wanted to pass along is “nasal rinsing” — it has been found to be effective in preventing cold symptoms that lead to the flu. According to a study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics medical journal, AAP Grand Rounds (“Isotonic Nasal Saline Is Beneficial in the Management of Rhinitis in Children”; 20:17-18, 2008), nasal saline wash hastens the resolution of rhinitis symptoms during uncomplicated acute cold or flu and prevents reappearance of rhinitis in children aged 6 to 10 years old.

Important — This is by no means meant to offer medical information, merely tips and ideas we’ve come across. You should always consult your own doctor for specific questions or if you have concerns of any sort.

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