Preparing for the swine flu outbreak

Every year despite our precautions there seems to be a strain of influenza that shows up that was not the one we vaccinated people for. This year we are confronted with one for which much of the world seemed unprepared.

A new strain of swine flu that originated in Mexico has killed around 150 people in that country. Many more people there contracted the virus and recovered, though. Although 45 cases had been identified in the U.S. through Monday, no one has died here. The cases were identified and treated early and seem to have been mild.

Dr. Donald E. Williamson, Alabama state health officer, said, “Even though the U.S. cases so far have been mild, the severity of the disease in Mexico is worrisome.”

No cases have been identified in Alabama yet, but Williamson predicts the virus will emerge here. To prepare for it the state is stockpiling the antiviral medicine Tamiflu and Relenza, both of which have proven to be effective treatments for swine flu if given early.

Symptoms of swine flu appear similar to the symptoms of regular flu. They include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

There are things we can do to reduce our chances of contracting any type of flu.

€ Cover your cough or sneeze.

€ Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.

€ Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose with your when possible.

€ Try to avoid close contact with those who are sick.

€ If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Following these tips, which are good rules to go by whether there is a specific flu threat or not, can increase that chances that swine flu is something we only read about rather than experience.