Swine Flu - Your Questions Answered

I really like this Q & A on swine flu, found this morning on the net. Last night's news said the United States is doing all that it needs to be doing right and plans that were in place have now been activated. Even today's announcement of 3 possible swine flu cases in our "neighbor" Park City, Utah, have caused all schools to be closed as a precaution. Containment is a very good plan. The New York school (St. Francis?) that early on had swine flu has shown that it did NOT pass to classmates and family in a wide spread manner so that is good to know.

What can we do? The advice is wash hands, stay home if you feel sick, avoid sustained contact in closed areas, and CALL your doctor (do not drive to their office) if you think someone you know may have swine flu.


Here is the official advice from CDC

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

• Stay informed. This website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
• 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 hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.
• Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.

Here is the updated information 5/1/09 (I post it because it is interesting how they changed some bolding at the end...also I want to track changes to the suggestions)

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

• Stay informed. This website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
  • 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 hands cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
  • Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.
• Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.