Since swine flu is a current topic of discussion, I thought I might offer some more information on swine flu. I found an article on webmd.com that answered various questions about swine flu. I have listed a few of the questions with answers. To view the entire article, click here.
1. What is swine flu?Symptons?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. People don't normally get swine flu, but human infections are possible.
Symptons include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headach, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
2. How does swine flu spread?
Swine flu spreads like the regular flu. It can be picked up from an infected person or by touching an object touched by an infected individual and then touching your eyes, mouth or nose. The virus can become airborne if you cough or sneeze without covering your nose and mouth, sending germs into the air.
3. How is swine flu treated?
Swine flu can be treated by Tamiflu and Relenza. Not everyone needs those drugs, many of the first cases in the U.S. with lab-confirmed swine flu recovered without treatment.
4. How can I prevent swine flu infection?
- Most importantly wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. You can also use an alcohol-based antibacterial hand cleaner.
- Try to stay in good general health
- Get plenty of sleep
- Stay physically active
- Manage your stress
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Eat nutritious food
- Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
An email from Carlos Diniz, dean of student learning at WHCC, read that the University of Delaware reported 10 probably cases of the virus. No probable cases have been reported at any of our locations but we still need to be prepared.
Should there be any cases, the ICS team at each campus will be called to respond. For those of you who serve on the ICS team, this might be a good time to familiarize yourselves with the symptoms, preventive measures, charge your radios and be prepared to respond.
