"Swine flu" or the "H1N1" flu virus (a more
technical name for the same virus) is a public
health emergency that the U.S. government is
keeping a close watch on so that people aware,
informed and prepared to take action steps to
keep themselves and their families healthy and
safe.
Any flu virus is particularly life-threatening
to the very young, elderly and those battling
disease, infection, etc. There are 5,469 people
in the U.S. who have been sickened by the swine
influenza and there has been six death so far,
according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). It's important that we keep
this virus in check.
Take time
to review the CDC's five, flu-safety tips, which
will help you avoid swine flu (or any flu).
They'll also help to ensure that the virus
doesn't spread needlessly.
-
Tip #1: Stay home if you're sick.
-
Tip #2: Avoid close contact with
people who are sick.
-
Tip #3: Wash your hands often and
avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
-
Tip #4: Cover your mouth or nose
with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
-
Tip #5: Keep up with health
information in your own community.
Do these
tips sound familiar?
Flu-safety basics are the exact same whether
you get the human flu or the swine flu. The
swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs
caused by type A influenza viruses that cause
regular outbreaks in pigs. People don’t usually
get swine flu but infections can and do occur.
This virus
spreads the exact same way that regular flu
viruses spread -- person-to-person transmission
through coughing, sneezing and touching of
infected people or surfaces: door knobs,
shopping carts, countertops, etc. So, it’s also
a good idea to carry your alcohol-based,
disinfecting wipes, sprays and gels with you, as
well.
There is some good news:
First, there are antiviral medicines to prevent
and treat swine flu. They may also prevent
serious flu complications. Second, swine
influenza viruses are not spread by food. So,
you don’t need to throw away or stop eating your
pork or pork products. Eating properly handled
and cooked pork products is still safe.
Now, if you live in areas where swine influenza
have been identified (there
are 48 affected states),
contact a health care provider, particularly if
you are worried about your symptoms. The
influenza-like symptoms include: fever, body
aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting
or diarrhea. Your health care provider will
determine whether influenza testing or treatment
is needed.
By
practicing these flu-safety basics, you’ll lower
your chances of getting a host of illnesses,
including the swine flu.
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