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Local officials taking proactive approach to flu virus web posted April 29, 2009 COUNTY – Concern over the spreading swine flu bug has reached Edgefield County as the virus itself continues to expand its presence nationwide, with potential cases popping up in nearby Newberry County. Local officials with the county Emergency Management Agency and Emergency Medical Services sat in on a statewide conference call Tuesday morning where they were briefed on the emerging situation. The call was led by state EMA leaders and Health Department officials and each of the state's 46 counties were represented as state-level officials are taking the swine flu threat seriously. The virus - for which there is no current vaccine - may have already claimed as many as 150 lives in Mexico, while there have been a number of cases reported in New York City. "Symptoms are similar to the normal flu, only there is no vaccine for it," said Edgefield County Emergency Management Director Mike Casey. "It is a new strain, but right now it is not an epidemic (in the United States). Everyone needs to take a proactive look at this, which is what we are doing, but no one needs to panic. Simple prevention would be washing your hands frequently or carrying a (hand sanitizer) with you. And if you do need to cough, do so in the crook of your arm so you don't spread anything by shaking hands." Statewide concerns focused on Newberry Academy (which remained closed on Wednesday) after a pair of students were thought to have taken ill with the virus following a recent spring break trip to Mexico. Further investigation appears to have alleviated fears somewhat after a student who was not on the same trip as the others also came down with flu-like symptoms. Also, the school's headmaster, Bob Dawkins, said that another student had taken ill before even boarding the plane to Mexico. Still, statewide officials are asking local agencies to maintain vigilance in the matter while passing on credible information to as many people as possible on their respective counties. Casey said his team and other support members will be working to get the word out locally. "We've already briefed the county administrator and will be meeting with school district nurses," Mr. Casey said. "Dr. Tami Massey, who is the Medical Control Physician for Edgefield County EMS, was also on the conference call, and she will alert the medical community. We are going to take a proactive position. We're trying to make sure that areas and facilities with concentrated populations are aware of what to do and what to look for. (State officials) want us to be out front with what is taking place in our counties." Mr. Casey added that anyone with symptoms - including but not limited to a slight fever of 100 to 100.5, chills, nausea and even some vomiting - should contact their family physician first. "If you suspect that someone has this flu, they should go to their regular family physician," he said. "There is no need to call an ambulance simply for flu-like symptoms. Just because someone may be feeling bad is not, in and of itself, a sufficient reason to call an ambulance." For more information on the swine flu virus, visit online at http://www.cdc.gov or http://www.scdhec.gov. Questions and Answers from the Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention in Atlanta What is swine flu? Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people. Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.? In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation. Is this swine flu virus contagious? CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) 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 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. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. 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. 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 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, CDC 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 live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and 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 * Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held * 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. 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. 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. The Citizens News contributed to this report © Copyright 2009
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