Swine Flu: How to Prepare and Protect

The United States declared a public health emergency on Sunday, April 26 based on the recent cases of swine flu reported in the country. News of a swine flu outbreak started spreading earlier this week with 8 cases found in New York, 7 in California, 2 in Texas, 2 in Kansas and 1 in Ohio. In Mexico, there have been over 1300 cases of swine flu identified and it appears that these cases are more severe than what has been seen in the U.S. so far.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swine flu is "is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans, however, human infections with swine flu do occur, and cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses has been documented." Swine flu is not a new phenomenon and there have been about a dozen cases in the U.S. detected over the last 5 years. The swine flu is particularly problematic when cases of human-to-human transition become frequent. This occurrence also increases the risk that the virus will continue to change constantly.

During the White House press conference, Dr. Richard Besser of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spoke alongside Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. Via this press conference, Besser and Napolitano explained that the U.S. is entering a state of emergency as well as their expectations for swine flu developments. Now that a public health emergency has been declared, funds can be freed up to begin fighting any developments of the disease. Emergency preparedness plans will also kick into gear as public health officials determine the strains of this flu virus, track new cases and the virus' severity in the U.S.

U.S. public health officials have advised that the state of emergency should not cause panic in the U.S. but rather demonstrate that we are in a state of preparedness similar to a state we might be in when a natural disaster occurs. Declaring a state of emergency simply makes it possible for public health officials to start using funds allocated for public health emergencies. There have been no deaths in the U.S. from the swine flu yet and all cases are reportedly mild. Although the Centers for Disease Control expect to see more cases, the public is being assured that the appropriate steps to control the swine flu are being taken at this time. In addition to other measures, the government is preparing to move over 10 million doses of Tamiflu out of federal stock to ensure that public health officials are able to allocate Tamiflu quickly and efficiently should states need it. Tamiflu is a drug that, if taken within 40 hours of the flu's onset, may shorten the flu's duration and/or severity. You may have heard Tamiflu mentioned during the bird flu scare a couple of years ago as a possible drug to combat that type of flu.

Still, we have no way of telling the magnitude or potential ramifications of this swine flu outbreak and it is likely that we will see more severe cases in the United States. Early detection is key for similar outbreaks and public health officials have noted that we could feel the consequences of these outbreaks for months to come. As other influenza viruses, swine flu viruses change frequently, which is why a strain in the U.S. may affect people differently than in another country. This also means that the usual flu vaccine may not work against the swine flu or that the virus strand may change before a vaccine is developed.

Some countries have issued travel advisories for tourists going into Mexico and are putting into effect stringent controls when travelers enter airports. The U.S. will be checking those travelers from Mexico who have symptoms of being ill upon entering the airports but no one will be quarantined. So far, the State Department has not issued any travel restrictions for American citizens but other countries have responded more aggressively. Countries like Russia and Hong Kong have already put in place stringent policies for travels and will quarantine people who appear sick.

With pervasive international travel, the threat of a global pandemic is naturally severe and unsettling for people. In the U.S., there hasn't been too much news on what to do or how to prevent the swine flu but you hear frequent commentary from people who fear a pandemic like the Spanish Flu of 1918. Although it seems like the bird flu scare came and went, there are fears that global pandemics will become more pervasive as population and global interdependence grows.

Although the U.S. population has no reason to panic at this juncture, it is always best to remain alert and follow healthy habits. It may be helpful to know that symptoms of swine flu are similar to other flu viruses and as with other strains of the flu virus, it is advisable that people continue to use common best practices such as: avoid close contact with people who are sick or appear sick, wash hands frequently with soap and hot water, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth and wear a mask over the mouth and nose. Although Mexican people have been seen in the press wearing masks over their faces, it does not appear that the risk is high enough in the U.S. to currently take this precaution. If you suspect that you are sick, however, it may be prudent to protect others by making sure that you follow these public health best practices.

Napolitano urged people to stay home if they are sick to help prevent the spread of any disease. Dr. Besser also emphasized Napolitano's advice by saying that people who are sick should not travel on planes; should not attend school or mingle in public places. If you suspect that you are sick or start to feel flu-like symptoms, it would be a good idea to check with a doctor and also be careful when you are around others. There is no risk of transmitting swine flu by eating pork products; however, swine flu probably spread by humans in close connection with pigs.

To help inform the American population, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have also listed numerous resources online at: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm. This information includes a brochure on swine flu in pigs and people, key facts about swine flu, a video podcast and other general information. Information is also available in Spanish.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/