Swine Flu – Americans Should Remain Vigilant

Yesterday, federal health officials urged Americans to be vigilant against swine flu.   Stating that the virus seems to be milder disease yet could still be a serious threat to the health of certain individuals.
Richard E. Besser, acting director of the federal Centers for Disease Control is concerned that Americans could wrongly believe the worse is over.
U.S. confirmed 1639 cases in 42 states and the District, an increase of 743 cases a day earlier.
This increase is mainly due to further testing, but more accurately, it is clear that people are still infected. At least 57 Americans were in the hospital, including 26 who also had another condition.
U.S. Department of Education said more than 81,000 students returned to class yesterday, 155 schools re-opened. At least 166 schools were closed, but federal officials have stated that they expect all students back in class on Tuesday.
Influenza H1N1 has infected 3440 people in 29 countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Saturday.  45 people have died from the new strain of flu, a mixture pigs, birds and human viruses.

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Health Officials Warn Swine Flu Spreads And Fall Season Concerns

Swine influenza H1N1 is spreading rapidly in the U.S. The situation is worrying – but increasingly, the responsibility for health are wearing what could happen this fall.
Because the swine flu H1N1  was milder than originally expected, the CDC has loosen some of its guidelines, including school closings.
New outbreaks of H1N1 swine flu continue over the United States, and Thursday, the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed 896 cases in 44 states ranging from mild to severe infections.
Acting Director of CDC, Dr. Richard Besser said “So far we have seen no evidence of this diminishing”.  He also stated “Only about 10 percent of the cases have related trip to Mexico”.  This suggests that the virus is very easily transmitted between people.  The new virus is very similar to the seasonal flu, CDC scientists are trying to answer many questions about the new strain.  Including how long a person with the virus is contagious.
Besser said that over the next few months, we need to prepare for the possibility that the virus will return during the fall/winter months, a greater danger.

There are simple everyday steps you can take to help prevent the spread of influenza:
* Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
* Wash your hands frequently; with either warm, soapy water for 10-15 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after you sneeze or cough.
* Keep living or work areas clean by using household detergents (e.g. hand soap, dishwashing liquid) and sanitize surfaces with bleach or alcohol.
* Avoid contact with others who are sick. If you are sick, stay home from work or school.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
*More information: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention @www.cdc.gov/swineflu

Recommended:
If you are unable to wash your hands, you may want to purchase a hand sanitizer with moisturizers. If you use a sanitizer multiple times during the day, use lotion to prevent excessive dryness.

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