Prevention Alert: Swine Flu Outbreak

President Obama said that the swine flu outbreak is a "cause for concern and requires a heightened state of alert," but is not a "cause for alarm."  At the same time however, it is important to know that more than 140 cases of swine flu have been confirmed in 19 states across the U.S.

While there is no cause for alarm, as President Obama mentioned, there is reason for concern and a need to have a heightened state of alert. 

According to experts, swine influenza, or flu, is a contagious respiratory disease that affects pigs, caused by a type-A influenza virus. Outbreaks in pigs occur year-round.  While the virus causes regular outbreaks in pigs, people usually are not struck by swine flu. However, there have been instances of the virus spreading to people -- and then from one person to another.  In the past, CDC received reports of approximately one human swine influenza virus infection every one to two years in the U.S.  According to the CDC, in the past transmission did not spread beyond three people -- as it has done this time.

Scientists are concerned whenever a new virus is able to jump from an animal to a person -- and then spread from person to person. When the flu spreads person to person, it can continue to mutate, making it harder to treat or fight off.

The World Health Organization has said the current outbreak has "pandemic potential," and has urged governments to take precautions to prevent its spread. If the virus continues to mutate, drug makers won't be able to come up with vaccines fast enough.

All of us should be aware and cautious as we try to help keep this virus from spreading.  One of the best ways to help is to familiarize oneself with the symptoms of swine flu and practice prevention.

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the common flu. They include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
There are everyday actions we can take to stay healthy.

• 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 hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Avoid touching surfaces you think may be contaminated.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.