H1N1 — Swine Flu Information

Since knowledge conquers fear, here is some information on Swine Influenza from the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/swineflu. If you want more, please go online. (I have posted printouts in the Social Hall.)

• Swine flu is a contagious respiratory disease, caused by the influenza A (H1N1) virus. It is not known how easily it spreads between people.
• Symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue; sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
• Spread of disease: thought to be by coughing or sneezing; droplets land on an object, then a person touches that object with the virus, then touches his or her own mouth or nose or eyes. (Swine influenza is not spread by eating pork).
• Duration of contagious period: from one day prior to symptoms through seven or more days after becoming ill.
• Prevention: first and most importantly-wash your hands- using soap and warm water, scrub for the time it takes to sing the “ABC” song—alcohol hand sanitizer is OK too; take good care of yourself, get enough sleep; be active; manage stress; drink plenty of fluids; eat nutritious foods; DO NOT TOUCH contaminated surfaces; avoid close contact with anybody who is sick. Keep your hands away from your face. Those who are sick: STAY HOME.
• Treatments: antiviral medications obtained with a physician’s prescription: pills, inhalers, liquid, best if started within two days of onset of symptoms.

There is no current vaccine to prevent swine flu. We pray for a quick resolution to this potential pandemic. In the meantime, please do take very good care of yourself.

Click here to go to my article in the May Good News.

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