Harvey County Health Department issues swine flu statement

From: Harvey County Health Department

Regards: Influenza Virus A(H1N1)

At this time, you may be very aware of the Influenza Virus A(H1N1), also referred to as the swine influenza that is not only in Kansas but in other states and countries. Therefore, we are encouraging everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms, how to protect yourself from getting the virus, and what to do if you think you have symptoms of the virus. This information will be on an attached form.

In addition, we are pleading with employees to stay home if you have "cold-like" symptoms described on the attached form. Staying home for 24 hours free of medication for fever is very important to be sure that we will not continue the spread of any viruses at this time. This same message is going to our schools and entire community.

Because this is a new virus with unknown potential for complications, employers need to be sure employees do stay home when they are sick and stay home with sick children as well. If we all play by the rules, we will keep from spreading all viruses and especially the Influenza A (H1N1), swine flu virus if/when we determine that we do have this new influenza in our county.

As of now, we do not know of any diagnosed or suspect cases of Influenza A (H1N1) in Harvey County. Kansas has only two confirmed cases those being from Dickinson County. We do know that suspect cases are being tested in several counties in Kansas. Diagnosis will take several days before a suspect case is confirmed by Center for Disease Control (CDC).

We want residents of Harvey County to know that the health department is prepared to react to any medication distribution deemed necessary by CDC and Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Plans have been written and practiced for several years in preparation for a Public Health Emergency. We ask you to visit our Web site at http://www.harveycounty.com/ for general information, up-to-date reports, and any further instructions.

We appreciate your help in keeping our community safe.

Cordially,

Rita Flickinger, Director

Harvey County Health Department

316 Oak, Newton KS 67114

tele: (316) 283-5667 X 21email: rflickinger@harveycounty.com

Questions and Answers about Swine Flu

Some information in this document provided by CDC

Document available on kdheks.gov

What is swine flu?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses.

Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but

human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in

people who are around pigs but it's possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to

person also.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?

CDC has determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.

However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

The symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include:

· Fever greater than 100 degrees

· Body aches

· Coughing

· Sore throat

· Respiratory congestion

· In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting

How serious is swine flu infection?

Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005

until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths

occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy

32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected

with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in

1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.

How do you catch swine flu?

Spread of swine flu can occur in two ways:

· Through contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with swine flu viruses.

· Through contact with a person with swine flu. Human-to-human spread of swine flu has

been documented also and is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. Influenza

is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected

people.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention

of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills,

liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your

body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better

faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best

if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long

as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children,

especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions

that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take

these everyday steps to protect your health:

· Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand

sanitizer to get rid of most germs and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

· Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to co-workers and friends.

· Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.

· Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest

and exercise.

What should I do if I get sick?

Individuals who experience the above symptoms should contact their physician, who will

determine whether testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to

keep from spreading your illness to others.

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating

pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe