Swine Flu Facts - Should You Be Worried?

Apparently a new strain of swine influenza has developed. Since March 2009, this virus infection has been identified in humans in the U.S. and other countries (particularly Mexico). This new strain is currently under investigation.

You cannot get swine flu from eating pork. Eating properly cooked pork is safe!

Symptoms may include:

* Fever
* Lethargy
* Lack of appetite
* Cough
* Sore throat
* Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea

Though appearing with similar symptoms, the antigenic quality of swine flu is different from that of typical influenza A. If you received a flu shot this year, unfortunately you will not be protected if exposed to swine flu.

Swine flu is a virus and certain antiviral medications are used to treat flu, although they are generally effective only if the illness is caught within the first few days. If you think you may have contracted flu, particularly swine flu, do not delay seeing your doctor! From the CDC: "There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to all four drugs, the most recent swine influenza viruses isolated from humans are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. At this time, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses."

As for a vaccine, there is a swine flu vaccine available for pigs, but not for humans.

An epidemic is a widespread outbreak of an infectious disease, such as swine flu.

A pandemic is an epidemic that occurs over a wide geographical area.

The current number of reported cases in the United States may be found HERE. By Tuesday, April 28, 2009, 64 confirmed cases were reported in five states (California, Kansas, New York City, Ohio, Texas). By Friday, May 15th, 4298 confirmed cases were reported in 47 states with a total of three deaths. On May 27, the total number of reported cases was 7927 with 11 deaths.

The pandemic status as determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) can be found HERE. The WHO pandemic status status remains at level 5, meaning that human infection is widespread. As of May 15th, 7520 cases were confirmed in 34 countries. By May 27th, 48 countries reported a total of 13,398 cases of H1N1 flu with 95 deaths worldwide. Interestingly, news about the virus has fallen off the main headline of the WHO website, indicating to this observer that concern over the danger from the flu has diminished.

The government has released 25 percent of the stockpile of antivirals Tamiflu and Relenza, both used to treat type A influenza. Both have been shown to work against swine flu. In addition, the Defense Department now has access to those same antiviral medications for military personnel.

A "yellow card" is being prepared to advise travelers of the potential danger of swine flu. The first line of defense is good hand-washing and travelers are being given that information as well. Also, schools will be closed as necessary at the first signs of any epidemic-like outbreaks as occurred last week at a school in New York City.

Most cases reported in the U.S. so far have been mild. There have been no deaths from swine flu in the U.S. Of course deaths do occur occasionally as a result of flu, but generally in people who have compromised immune systems to start with.

If you have flu-like symptoms, keep away from other people as much as possible. Consider a doctor's visit as a swab test by a doctor is the only way to confirm that you have swine flu. Your doctor may err on the safe side and prescribe an antiviral. Treat the fever and keep yourself well hydrated. If your immune system is in good condition, you probably will recover just fine with conservative treatment and rest.

Remember, antivirals are only effective if the virus is caught within the first few days, so don't put off a doctor visit if you are frail or have reason to suspect that you might have been exposed to someone with the flu.

• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
  
  
• Stay home if you are sick. Don't risk exposing others.
  
  
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  
  
• Cleaning your hands will help protect you from germs.
  
  
• Don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth as germs are easily spread this way.
  
  
• Practice good health habits. Get enough sleep, eat well, manage stress levels, and drink plenty of water.