Some trustworthy weblinks and info on the swine flu
Symptoms of swine flu from CBS News
from the AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS
H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Information
(Updated on May 1, 2009 at 1:35 pm CT)
Human cases of H1N1 flu (swine flu) have been reported in the United States, Mexico and other countries during the past week. This new virus is a hybrid, with genetic elements of swine influenza, avian influenza, and human influenza. The Department of Health and Human Services issued a nationwide public health emergency declaration in response to the human infections.
There is no vaccine to protect humans against H1N1 flu (swine flu). Because this is a new strain, seasonal flu shots do not protect people, so good hygiene is important to help prevent the spread of germs. The influenza is spread by coughing, sneezing and unclean hands. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends:
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
* If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
* Put used tissues in the trash.
* Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing. Wash with soap and water, or with alcohol-based hand cleaner. (When soap/water are not available).
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
* If you get sick, stay home from work or school, and limit your contact with others to keep from infecting them. Adults should not leave home until 7 days after symptoms begin; children should stay home 10 days after the onset of illness.
People cannot get H1N1 flu (swine flu) from pork or pork products.
If you suspect your child has influenza, call your pediatrician. Antiviral medication, if taken soon after infection, can shorten the duration of the illness. These medications are effective against H1N1 flu (swine flu).
Resources:
For Parents:
* Key Facts About H1N1 flu (swine flu) (CDC)
* The CDC updates its page on H1N1 flu (swine flu) daily at 3 p.m. (Eastern) during the course of the outbreak.
* Hand Washing (CDC)
For Travelers:
* Traveler’s Health Precautions (CDC)
For Child Care Programs and Schools:
* Preventing the Flu – Strategies and Resources for Child Care Providers and Out-of-Home Caregivers
* Excerpts from “Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools: A Quick Reference Guide, Second Edition” (Copyright American Academy of Pediatrics 2009). To order a copy of this book, visit the AAP Bookstore.
• Hand Hygiene
• Outbreaks, Epidemics, and Other Infectious Disease Emergencies
* As the outbreak has continued to unfold, the U.S. Department of Education, in conjunction with the CDC and the Homeland Security Council, has provided updated guidance to school personnel.
* Stopping the Spread of Germs at Home, Work & School (CDC)
For State Information:
* The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) has created a page of resources related to H1N1 flu (swine flu).
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