Swine Flu Update

From Dr. Randall L. Wolff, Medical Director of Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu, as well. In the past, severe illnesses, such as pneumonia and respiratory failure, as well as deaths, have been reported with swine influenza infection in people, as well. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

Next, I would like to tell you about medicines that can be used to treat swine flu. CDC recommends the use of Oseltamivir or Zanamivir for the treatment and, alternatively, prevention of infection with these swine flu viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines, such as pills, liquids, or inhaler that fights against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and can make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick, specifically within two days of symptoms.

People with swine influenza infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic, and possibly for up to seven days following the illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
 
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. However, there are everyday actions that people can take to help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. 
•  Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting  them. 
•  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth because germs can spread that way.

Now, I will move on to discuss what you should do if you get sick. If you live in an area where swine flu infections have been reported, and if you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact your health care provider, particularly if you're worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you're sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care. In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: fast breathing or trouble breathing, bluish skin color, not drinking enough fluids, not waking up or not interacting, being so irritable that the child does not want to be held, fever with a rash, or flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with a fever and worse cough.

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, and severe or persistent vomiting.

People don't need to worry about eating or preparing pork. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

Please be pro-active by washing your hands often and taking everyday steps to prevent the spread of any illnesses to others. 

Florida Department of Health Swine Flu Information Line: 1 800 775-8039