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Swine Flu Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Multiple new cases of a new strain of Swine flu (Swine Influenza A, H1N1) have been reported in Mexico and in the United States. Multiple deaths have been reported to the World Health Organization, currently assessing the accuracy of the incoming reports.
Historically, the CDC receives approximately one report of Swine flu case per 1 - 2 years in the United States but over the past four years, these numbers have tripled. Reports are updated daily at on the numbers the CDC is receiving including both national and international cases.
International officials are on alert and airports have begun to screen arriving passengers. Officials are surveying arriving passengers for any viral signs and symptoms. One airport in Chiba, Japan (Narita) is screening passengers arriving from Mexico utilizing thermographic imaging for increases in body temperature.
Transmission of Swine Flu (How is Swine Flu spread?)
As with other flu like illnesses, Swine flu is spread as follows:
·Coughing
·Sneezing
·Kissing
·Touching infected objects
·Touching nose, mouth and/or eyes with infected hands
Swine Flu Symptoms
Symptoms of Swine flu may including all or some of the following:
·Fever
·Muscle aches
·Lethargy
·Coughing
·Headache
·Sore throat
·Runny nose
·Nausea
·Vomiting
·Diarrhea
·Lack of appetite
Complications Of Swine Flu And Higher Risk Individuals
Those at higher risk include those with the following:
·Age of 65 years or older
·Chronic health problems (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease)
·Pregnant women
·Young children
Complications (for all patients but especially for those at higher risk) can include:
·Pneumonia
·Bronchitis
·Sinus infections
·Ear infections
·Death
Diagnosis And Treatment Of Swine Flu
1. A respiratory sample collected within the first five days of illness will be collected.
2. The sample is sent to the CDC for laboratory analysis and confirmation.
At this time the CDC is recommending the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for treatment and/or prevention of Swine flu.
Prevention of Swine Flu
·Covering nose and mouth with a tissue upon coughing and sneezing followed by proper disposal of the tissue.
·Avoiding contact with ill persons.
·Avoiding the urge to touch nose, mouth and eyes in general.
·Staying home form work and/or school upon onset and for the duration of symptoms.
·Assuring adequate and thorough handwashing and use of alcohol based hand cleansers (in the absence of proper handwashing facilities).
·Providing tissues in common areas of homes, common and public areas.
·Encouraging pursuit of medical evaluation at earliest onset of symptoms.
·Use of masks to those who are exhibiting symptoms or who are ill.
·Maintenance of a 3 to 6 foot perimeter around a coughing patient.
Calm analysis coupled with accurate and proper public education is the key to identifying, treating and minimizing a worldwide outbreak.
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