Swine Flu Awareness

What is swine flu?

Swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by influenza type A virus, there are regular outbreaks, where the disease causes high levels of illness.

Transmission of Swine Flu (How is Swine Flu spread?)

As with other flu like illness, Swine flu is spread as follows:

Coughing, Sneezing, Kissing, Touching infected objects, Touching nose, mouth and/or eyes with infected hands.

Swine Flu Symptoms

Symptoms of Swine flu may include all or some of the following:

Fever, Muscle aches, Lethargy, Coughing, Headache, Sore throat, Runny nose, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, and Lack of appetite.

Complications of Swine Flu and Higher Risk Individuals

The higher risk individuals include:

Age of 65 years or older, chronic health problems (such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease), pregnant women, young children

Prevention of Swine Flu

1. Covering nose and mouth with a tissue upon coughing and sneezing followed by proper disposal of the      tissue.

2. Avoiding contact with ill persons.

3. Avoiding the urge to touch nose, mouth and eyes in general.

4. Staying home from work or school upon onset and for the duration of symptoms.

5. Assuring adequate and thorough hand washing and use of alcohol based hand cleaners (in the absence of proper hand washing facilities).

6. Providing tissues in common areas of homes, common and public places.

7. Encouraging pursuit of medical evaluation at earliest onset of symptoms.

8. Use of masks to those who are exhibiting symptoms or who are ill.

9. Maintenance of a 3 to 6 foot perimeter around a coughing patient.