H1N1 (Swine Flu) Influenza

 

Overview

Swine Influenza (flu) A (H1N1) is a respiratory virus that can be transmitted from person-to-person, although it is not known how easily it is transmitted. The disease is transmitted through bodily fluids when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. It is possible that an individual can contract swine flu by touching infected objects and then touching his/her nose or mouth. You cannot get swine flu from eating pork products. There have been numerous outbreaks of swine flu in the past and all were contained and mitigated. In 1976 an outbreak of swine flu in Fort Dix, NJ caused more than 200 cases of serious illness and one death. In 2009, an outbreak started in Mexico. Signs and Symptoms

Individuals infected with swine flu may be able to transmit the virus to others up to one day before any symptoms present and up to seven days after the individual becomes ill. That means infected individuals can pass on this illness even if they don’t know they are sick. Symptoms of swine flu are similar to seasonal influenza and include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue

Some people have also reported having diarrhea and vomiting with this illness. Like seasonal influenza, swine flu may cause underlying conditions to become more severe and pneumonia, respiratory failure and death have been reported with swine flu.

Follow these warning signs to determine if immediate medical assistance is required. In Children:

• Fast or troubled breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or interacting
• Being extremely irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with rash

In Adults:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

Prepare

The most effective way to prepare for swine flu is to know the signs and symptoms of this illness and be aware of those around you who might have this illness or have been exposed to it. Proper hygiene is vital to prevent this disease from spreading. Be sure to wash your hands often with hot water and soap. Anti-microbial hand gel is also acceptable. Do not touch surfaces that maybe contaminated with this virus and avoid those who are sick.

• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing – germs spread this way ( use a tissue…..or your arm… make it match your other wording)
• Wash hands regularly with hot water and soap (add in ABC song)
• Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose – germs spread this way
• Avoid contact with sick people
• Do not go to work or school if you are sick or think you may be sick with swine flu

In addition to frequent hand washing you should also stay in good physical health, get plenty of rest, eat well, manage stress levels and drink plenty of fluids. Stay tuned to local news for information, updates and alerts regarding the outbreak.

Respond

Because it is currently unknown how easily swine flu transfers from one person to another, you should take precautions very seriously. In the event of an outbreak of swine flu:

• Avoid contact with infected individuals
• Wash hands frequently
• Use personal protective equipment such as latex gloves and face masks to prevent the transfer of germs

At Work:

• Notify your Crisis Leaders and Managers of possible swine flu infections in your area
• Help deliver accurate information to those around you to prevent fear and anxiety

At Home:

• Educate your family on the proper precautions to take to minimize exposure
• Listen to the news and to public health authorities for recommended courses of action
• Help deliver accurate information to those around to prevent fear and anxiety Recover

People with swine flu should be considered extremely contagious as long as they are exhibiting symptoms and for up to seven days following the onset of the illness. Currently there are anti-viral medications available to help treat swine flu. The CDC recommends Tamiflu or zanamivir for the treatment and prevention of swine flu. If you are already sick with swine flu, these medications can help make the illness less severe and make you feel better more quickly. These medications can also prevent other illnesses and complications. For the best treatment, these medications work best if started within the first two days of symptoms onset.