Swine Flu

April 2009

Seemingly out of nowhere, the swine flu virus is now spreading from person to person in Mexico and the United States, triggering concerns as governments scramble to find ways to prevent further outbreak

U.S. officials stepped up preparations for a possible epidemic after 20 cases were confirmed from New York to California.  Canada, meanwhile, announced its first cases of the virus Sunday- six mild cases.

Swine influenza, or flu, is a contagious respiratory disease that affects pigs. It is caused by a type-A influenza virus. Outbreaks in pigs occur year-round. The current strain is a new variation of an H1N1 virus, which is a mix of human and animal versions.  When the flu spreads person-to-person, instead of from animals to humans, it can continue to mutate, making it harder to treat or fight off because people have no natural immunity.

 The symptoms are similar to the common flu. They include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Medical Director of Healthnetwork, Susan Locke, M.D., weighs in on the Swine flu situation: 

1)      I would discourage elective travel to Mexico at this time.  If someone needs to go for business, I would recommend seeing his/her physician prior to leaving and to get a prescription filled for either Tamiflu® or Relenza, both of which are effective against Swine flu. These should be started at the first flu-like symptoms.

2)      If a member has recently traveled to Mexico and they have any flu-like symptoms, they should go to their physician ASAP and get tested for Swine flu. If they have only had a day or two of symptoms, Tamiflu or Relenza could be very helpful.

3)      People who are at risk for more serious cases and complications are the elderly (especially those with underlying medical illness), anyone who is immuno-compromised and newborns and infants.  In other groups, it is an unpleasant illness but not particularly dangerous.

4)      The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) websites also stress the importance of hand washing and avoiding people who are coughing or sneezing because the flu is passed in an airborne manner.

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