After 40 non-fatal confirmed cases in our own country and a federal declaration of public-health emergency, we should take note of what some people say could become an influenza pandemic.
While the United States is busy preparing antiviral drugs to state and local agencies, other countries are reporting what could be new cases of swine flu. France, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Spain say they may have citizens battling the flu. Canada has already confirmed cases. In Mexico, the reaction is as severe as the outbreak. In response to more than 100 people dying and 1,600 believed to be infected from what is reportedly swine flu, the government closed public schools to close and canceled public events in the capital city.
The World Health Organization has emphasized that this is a "public-health emergency of international concern" and many believe will follow that soon by officially elevating it to a pandemic. This morning, the EU's top health official is encouraging Europeans to put off nonessential travel to the U.S. and Mexico as a precaution.
However, President Obama says it is "not cause for alarm." Our own Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano cautiously said, "This will be a marathon, not a sprint," referring to the unpredictablility of such outbreaks.
The U.S., she said is preparing for the emergency but noted "we really don't know ultimately what the size or seriousness of this outbreak is going to be."
Check out this map of swine flu cases.
Want more information on swine flu? Here are 7 things you should know:
1. Swine flu is a new flu strain that combines bird, pig, and human viruses. The illness has been fatal for more than 100 people in Mexico and there have been 40 confirmed cases resulting in much milder symptoms for people in the United States. 73 cases have been confirmed worldwide.
2. Swine flu is caused by a type-A influenza virus and is a respiratory disease. Pigs suffer from it throughout the year. The strain seen now has not been seen before and is a variation of the H1N1 virus, a combination of human and animal viruses. The virus mutates as it spreads among people, it becomes harder to treat or prevent because the virus mutates and humans do not have a natural immunity to it.
3. It is treatable with Tamiflu and Relenza, two flu drugs. Antiviral drugs are most effective when taken within two days of the onset of symptoms.
4. Symptoms are similar to those of the common flu and include fever, cough, lethargy, headache, body aches, sore throat, and chills. Some patients have reported diarrhea and vomiting. The concern is that further infection from the virus can lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure, and possibly death. There have been no fatalities reported in the United States.
5. If you are exhibiting symptoms and live in one of the states where cases have been confirmed or you recently traveled to Mexico, you should contact your doctor immediately for testing.
6. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said today that a concern is that it is not just affecting vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly.
"We are concerned that in Mexico, most of those who died were young and healthy adults," he said.
7. The CDC recommends that we all take common-sense precautions to ensure our health and safety, including avoiding close contact with people who are sick, covering your mouth and nose if you sneeze or cough, and washing your hands often. After some initial testing, the CDC does not believe that regular flu shots offer protection against the swine flu as well.
As the media, the government, and public health agencies react, how are you responding to all the swine flu reports?
Does it scare you? Or do you feel completely removed from it all?
[photo via Yahoo! News]
