Swine flu update, Tuesday, April 28

tag: swine flu april 28

Over the day yesterday, the number of swine flu cases doubled and we do expect increasing numbers as the laboratory tests are completed. HOWEVER, the cases remain in the same locations as previously reported: California, Texas, Ohio, Kansas and New York, specifically New York City. Cases are being reported in other countries around the world, which is not unexpected with the heavy airline traffic we have around the planet.

The World Health Organization (WHO) did increase its pandemic alert status from 3 to 4 yesterday. A pandemic refers to a disease process that involves a new virus, one that is passed from person to person and spreads to more than one country. The current swine flu virus meets those criteria, but the United States is saying that the pandemic threat level in the U.S. is not that severe given the mildness of the disease here. That could certainly change but for now residents do not need to be concerned.

The United States did issue a travel advisory yesterday afternoon which states that non-essential travel to Mexico should be avoided for now.

Those residents who develop flu-like symptoms, headache, body aches, fever, cough and sore throat, and possibly diarrhea should see a physician IF they have travelled to one of the places with confirmed cases or had contact with individuals who have travelled there. Sick individuals who meet those criteria will be tested for the flu virus. Needed anti-viral drugs that have been effective against this current swine flu are available for those individuals who are confirmed cases.

The medication will not be given to individuals who just think they might be sick or want to take it to keep from getting the flu. That would be an inappropriate use of the medicine and, at the very worst, can cause resistance in the population later on.

The United States has issued a public health emergency notice but that is primarily so that funding and the antiviral medication can be released to the States. It is not so that everyone can be worried and upset about the situation. There is no reason to be concerned on the local level at this time. Keep to practice the good health habits is the most important, and learn for the newest updates.