North American Flu Update

It has come to my attention that my previous posts may not have been very reader friendly. So I have decided to update information.

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. Before the current outbreak, people rarely got swine flu, and usually only if they were in very close proximity to infected pigs. However, during the current outbreak, the virus is able to spread from person-to-person.
Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to those of regular or seasonal flu and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Although winter is over, there is still a low level of seasonal influenza occurring in Pennsylvania.
There is no vaccine available for people at this time, but the swine flu can be treated with two antiviral drugs. Persons with swine flu are contagious for up to seven days or longer after the onset of illness, so it is important to take the following steps to prevent spreading the virus to others:
· Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others;
· Cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues;
· Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
· Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of rest and exercise; and
· Seek care if you have influenza-like illness.

The public is instrumental in preventing the spread of any disease outbreak. Please use common sense when you are ill in order to reduce the risk of spreading your illness.