H1N1 influenza A, previously known as "Swine Flu" has now been declared a public health emergency in several countries including the United States.  Public Health officials are now using the scientific name for the virus because the reference to pigs was causing unreasonable fears of pig farming, eating pork or transporting pork.  At this time, this strain of influenza is being spread by human to human contact and not by contact with live pigs or by eating or transporting pork products. 

In general, Influenza is a virus that that produces an illness with the classical symptoms of rapid onset of high fever, respiratory symptoms including cough and chest congestion as well as the usual nasal congestion and sore throat associated with the common cold. The telltale signs in an adult are high fever (over 100 degrees), headache, pain with moving the eyes and/or early onset of sore throat and cough with chest congestion and occasionally nausea and vomiting. The biggest threat from influenza is that it may cause pneumonia, especially in the young and elderly and has caused death in some.  The current strain of influenza is influenza type A, but is not a type covered in this year’s vaccination so no one is protected. The virus can be treated by the medication, Tamiflu, that we have available locally, so if you feel that you may have symptoms, please seek treatment as soon as possible.

To avoid infection, the most important thing is to use common sense and good hygiene.  If you develop signs of a respiratory infection do not go to school or work.  If you cough, cough into your elbow or a tissue that you through away immediately.  Wash your hands frequently and avoid hugs kisses and handshakes with strangers .

Since the information and recommendations are changing so rapidly, we recommend that you contact the local public health department at the contact information below or go to the Center for Disease Control web site at www.cdc.gov.

If you want more information, please contact the local public health department at 1-888-722-6358 or on line at www.sbcphd.org
April 30, 2009