Entry bubble Swine Flu

By: Joanne | April 28, 2009 | Category: Health

Just when I thought that cold and flu season was over, here it is, swine flu. I’m sure that by now you’ve heard news reports of the outbreak of swine flu, first in Mexico, now there are reported cases in the United States and in other countries as well.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the swine flu  is a respiratory disease that is commonly found in pigs. Sometimes humans pick it up, and sometimes it can be transferred from person to person.

What should you do?

In the immortal words of Douglas Adams, don’t panic.

Stay informed. Know if there has been a swine flu outbreak where you live or where you’re planning to travel. The CDC is investigating and tracking the reported cases of swine flu. Also listen to reports and guidance from your state and local health agencies.

Wash your hands! I sound more and more like my mother, but she’s right, keeping your hands clean is an important step to reducing the spread of disease. Follow regular disease prevention steps like covering your coughs and sneezes, staying home when you’re sick, and practicing good health habits.

If you live in an area with an outbreak and you get sick with fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough and runny nose, and possibly other symptoms, such as body aches, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, the CDC recommends you contact your health care provider.

| View Comments [9] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: epidemic   flu   influenza   joanne   pandemic   swine  

 

Entry bubble Influenza: Avoid A Long Winter Headache

By: Jake | October 29, 2007 | Category: Health

With the California wildfires and drug resistant staph infections outbreaks in schools dominating the headlines the last few weeks, you may not have noticed it's flu season.
According to the CDC, seasonal influenza infects 5% to 20% of the population every year. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections (this one always gets me), dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. 

The CDC says there are three ways to prevent getting the flu. The most effective prevention is to get a flu vaccine, more commonly known as a flu shot, like I did this week. You can search for flu vaccine providers near you. In order to encourage vaccinations, the CDC has declared November 26-December 2 Flu Vaccination Week with Tuesday the 27th serving as Children’s Flu Vaccination Day. The CDC encourages health care providers to expand hours and offer more flu clinics during this week. In addition to a flu shot you can take anti-viral drugs and practice good health habits.

One thing I recommend in addition to these tips is to keep an eye out on CDC's flu activity and surveillance page.  The CDC partners with local health departments and provides a weekly report and map about flu outbreaks around the country. Also, if you do get sick here's how you can tell if it's a the flu or just a cold.
 

| View Comments [8] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: flu   infection   influenza   shot   staph   vaccine