On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization signaled that a global pandemic of novel influenza A (H1N1) was underway by raising the worldwide pandemic alert to Phase 6 as a reflection of the spread of this virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus. Most of us have been informed and warned about this new so-called “swine flu” virus first detected in people in the United States in April of 2009. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that this now named novel influenza A (H1N1) flu virus is contagious and spreading from person to person the same way regular seasonal influenza viruses spread - primarily by the coughing and sneezing of those infected with the virus. What can you do to stay healthy?
If you have what feels like seasonal flu symptoms, e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, possibly diarrhea, and vomiting, you might be infected with the H1N1 virus. The CDC suggests:
• Stay informed via the CDC website (www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu).
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds, especially after you cough or
sneeze.
• Use alcohol-based hand cleansers or disposable hand wipes.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. You may have touched something with flu viruses on it. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you get sick except to seek medical care. The CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care
provider or seek medical care.
• Stay home if you are sick for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been
symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.
Furthermore, the CDC recommends urgent medical attention for children experiencing the following emergency warning signs:
• Fast 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
The United States continues to report the largest number of novel H1N1 cases of any country worldwide. According to the CDC, as of July 17, 2009 there have been 40,617 reported cases of H1N1 flu infection in all 50 states, including the District of Columbia, and American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, and 263 deaths as a result of illness associated with this virus. A July 6th World Health Organization (WHO) update showed 94,512 confirmed cases in 122 countries with 429 deaths. The good news is that most people who have become ill have recovered without requiring medical treatment.
CDC anticipates that there will be more cases in the United States over the summer and into the fall and winter this year. By following the above-listed CDC suggestions and everyday actions, you can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illness like the H1N1 flu virus and that will permit you, your family, fellow workers, and those around you to stay healthy!
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