Is there swine flu in Florida?
At this time, there are no confirmed cases
in Florida. (4.28.09)
What is Florida doing to protect me from
swine flu?
We have epidemiologist or “disease
detectives” at the County Health Departments and in Tallahassee. There is a
detailed plan in place to respond to influenza outbreaks. Florida has a strong
system to identify potential influenza cases.
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Our state laboratories have the equipment and trained staff to
identify influenza samples.
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We have 100 physicians who report flu activity to us on a
weekly basis.
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We have access to a database that tracks over the counter
drugs to provide us with early warning of potential flu activity.
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We also track 106 emergency departments throughout the state
to analyze trends in types of illnesses.
Is this swine flu virus contagious?
Swine influenza 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 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. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic
medical conditions.
How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the
same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to
person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people
may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then
touching their mouth or nose.
How can someone with the flu infect someone
else?
Infected people may be able to
infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days
after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to
someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What should I do to keep from getting the
flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of
fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated
with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. 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). Contact your
doctor to see if you should receive anti virals.
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 surfaces are most likely to be sources
of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with
germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or
sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a
person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk
and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and
bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables,
doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of
getting contamination from these common surfaces.
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:
·
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.
·
Avoid touching your eyes,
nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
·
Try to avoid close contact
with sick people.
·
If you get sick with
influenza, DOH recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit
contact with others to keep from infecting them.
What is the best way to keep from spreading
the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with
other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your
mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those
around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover
your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do
so every time you cough or sneeze.
What is the best way to keep from spreading
the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your
contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if
ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may
prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste
basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your
hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
What is the best technique for washing my
hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and
water. or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. we recommend that when you wash
your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds.
When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or
gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and
drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't
need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
What should I do if I get sick?
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 their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your
symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza 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.
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
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Being so irritable that the
child does not want to be held
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Flu-like symptoms improve but
then return with fever and worse cough
·
Fever with a rash
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
·
Severe or persistent vomiting
How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe.
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.
For inquiries, call 606-8150 Option 5 |
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