What is happening? Multiple countries such as United States, Mexico and Canada have reported outbreaks of new influenza virus called swine influenza (A/H1N1). The infection may soon spread to other countries. Despite the name — swine influenza — this is a disease that is spread from person to person, like the regular flu.
What are the symptoms? The infection causes a flu-like severe respiratory disease with fever and cough, and may lead to difficulty in breathing and even death. Other symptoms may include sneezing, body aches, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness.
How is the disease spread? The disease is spread from person to person through touching, coughing, sneezing or talking while you are sick.
How can the disease be treated? There are medicines that can help fight this infection, but they only work if given quickly and are only available from a doctor so you must seek care RIGHT AWAY!
Is there a vaccine for this disease? Not yet. Authorities are working to develop a vaccine as quickly as possible.
What can you do to protect yourself and others?
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Cover you nose and mouth.
• Wear a mask if you are sick.
• Avoid close contact with sick people (standing closer than six feet, touching, kissing, hugging).
Is it safe to eat pork? Yes. This disease is spread from person to person. It is not spread by pork meat. Pork that is handled properly and cooked thoroughly is safe to eat.
If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, seek medical care immediately.
If you have recently traveled from an affected area, seek medical care immediately and let the hospital staff know about your travel history.
If you notice an unusual amount of flu-like illness in your community, call Public Health and let its staff know about it.
If you get sick, especially if you develop a flu-like illness, avoid or limit contact with others and report to the hospital for immediate medical care. Be sure to tell the hospital staff right away that you might have flu.
For more information, call 236-8770 or e-mail [email protected].
