09-08-2009

HEALTH ADVISORY UPDATE ON H1N1 (SWINE) FLU

Mayor Stephen R. Reed released updated precautions and preparations for citizens to follow regarding the H1N1 (swine) flu. Reed took note of the recent warning issued by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebilius that we may expect half the country’s population to suffer the H1N1 flu during the next year. "This is a severe virus that can lead to serious health problems, including death," Reed said, "It spreads easily, appears to be hitting young persons more than others, and must be taken seriously."

Despite being referred to as simply swine flu, H1N1 is a combination of a human virus, avian virus, and swine virus. Most people have little or no immunity to this virus. It is imperative that persons better understand what the virus is and what an influenza may do so that they may take precautions and be prepared should a family member get the flu.

The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
  

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
  

What is pandemic influenza?

• Pandemic influenza is a global outbreak which is caused by a new influenza virus.
• The virus spreads easily, causing illness and possibly death.
  

What differences exist between pandemic influenza and the seasonal influenza?

• Most people have little or no immunity to this virus. The seasonal flu is caused by a virus that is already among people.
• A pandemic is caused by a virus that is completely new to people.
  

How is H1N1 transmitted?

• H1N1 is spread mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets in the air.
• Droplets are released into the air when a person coughs or sneezes.
• The droplets may be received through inhalation by a person in close proximity.
• Another way of contracting the flu is by touching a surface which contains the flu virus and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose.
• Germs can live on surfaces for 2 hours or more.
• Life span will depend on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.
  

What effect could the pandemic have on our community?

• The influenza pandemic has the potential to significantly impact daily life.
• Large numbers of people may become sick at the same time.
• Business operations could be interrupted.
• Schools may be forced to close.
• Hospitals could become overwhelmed.
  

What can I do to protect myself and others?
PERSONAL HYGIENE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR OF ALL IN REDUCING THE SPREAD OF THE FLU.

• Wash hands on a regular basis for at least 20 seconds.
• Rub them together vigorously using an antibacterial soap and hot water.
• Be sure to clean under nails.
• If soap is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Use a paper towel to dry hands, turn off faucet and open the door.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• The virus can be spread by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face.
• Stay away from another person who is coughing or sneezing.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• If you must take care of a loved one, use every necessary precaution possible.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. Sneeze into a tissue or shirt sleeve.
  
• Wash common areas on a regular basis.
• Wash dishes in extremely hot water.
• Wash clothes in extremely hot water.
• Use different wash baskets for clean and dirty clothes. Viruses can be transferred on these items.
• Monitor yourself and household members for flu symptoms and contact a health care provider when symptoms occur.
• Persons who develop symptoms must isolate themselves in their home for 7 days after the onset of the illness and for 24 hours after symptoms have subsided.
• If possible, have only one adult in the home take care of the sick person and avoid being face-to-face with the sick person. Always wear a mouth and nose surgical mask if near a person sick with influenza.