Public Service Announcement: swine flu Q. & A.

With nations around the world taking actions to try to contain the outbreak of swine flu, we want to do something in our tiny part of the universe to publicize how we can all protect ourselves from getting sick, especially after seeing the Enquirer’s report this morning that a 9-year old boy in Lorain County, Ohio is recovering from a mild case of the illness. Hamilton County Health Commissioner Tim Ingram is expected to update Hamilton County Commissioners this morning on preparations to treat swine flu if any cases develop here.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an entire section on swine influenza, including this Q. and A. page entitled “Swine Influenza and You.” Following are a few excerpts:

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
4. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
5. If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

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 possibly for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.