Swine Flu Information and Recommendations
The World Health Organization this weekend declared
an international public health emergency over the outbreak of swine flu
by calling for worldwide surveillance of the spread of the virus. CDC
is still in the very active phase of investigation. Of concern is that
transmission of this novel virus appears to be human-to-human, primarily because the CDC has not been able to identify direct animal exposure.
Remember
that at this point there are few cases worldwide or in CA. Staying
aware and educated through CDC website updates and through the use of
good hygiene practices will help to keep you well.
San Diego City College urges you to stay informed through the following information at the CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm
To prevent the spread of swine flu:
- Avoid contact with ill persons.
- When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (if you do not have a tissue). Throw used tissues in a trash can. Attached is a link on COVER YOUR COUGH that you can access and print for posting in your office or class: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/pdf/covercough_hcp8-5x11.pdf
- After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.
- If you think you are ill with flu, avoid close contact with others as much as possible. Stay
at home. Seek medical care if you are severely ill (such as having
trouble breathing). There are antiviral medications for prevention and
treatment of swine flu that a doctor can prescribe. Do not go to work, school, or travel while ill.
For those seeking more information on this infection
FAQ’s and Additional Information on Swine Flu
What is swine flu?
Swine
Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A
influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not
normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine
flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in
the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three
people.
Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?
In
late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine
influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California
and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of
swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported
internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu
infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htmCDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.
Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC
has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious
and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not
known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The
symptoms of swine 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 swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and
respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu
infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening
of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How does swine flu spread?
Spread
of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in
the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly
from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with
influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something
with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected
people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms
develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that
you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you
are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First
and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general
health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress,
drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces
that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with
people who are sick.
How can human infections with swine influenza be diagnosed?
To
diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would
generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness
(when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus). However,
some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or
longer. Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires
sending the specimen to CDC for laboratory testing.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes.
CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment
and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses.
Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an
inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from
reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make
your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also
prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work
best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People
with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially
contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7
days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children,
might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs
can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with
germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a
cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can
be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another
person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth
or nose before washing their hands.
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We
know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on
surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent
handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination
from
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If
you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible.
Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a
tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from
getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your
cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands,
and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing
your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and
water. or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. we recommend that when
you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15
to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based
disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them
in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until
the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it
kills the germs on your hands.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified
and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body
aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, visit your health care provider,
particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care
provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If
you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people
as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe.
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No.
Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You cannot get
swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly
handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an
internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does
other bacteria and viruses
