SWINE FLU. KEY FACTS
nzshadow
5,518 Posts
OK. My brother is on the the Pandemic Planning and International Health Regulations team in New Zealand, a country that has been hit early by this outbreak.I just received an email from him, here are some key facts: - It's called "swine flu" but it's nothing to do with pigs anymore - it's now a human flu. Most of the people infected haven't been near pigs.[/b]- Because it has hit the US the media will go nuts over it, but it's probably not a major problem unless there's deaths in America.- The term "public health emergency of international concern" (PHEIC) sounds full on, but it's mainly a legal term[/b] so signatories to the International Health Regulations are able to put the right border controls in place. i.e. if it's a PHEIC, we can stop planes on the tarmac.[/b]- The WHO have decided to declare swine flu a PHEIC but have chosen not to raise the alert level from 3 to 4. - If you hear the WHO has declared a pandemic stage 4, that's going to be a hassle. The scale is out of six, we have been at stage three or equiv since at least 2004 cause of bird flu (limited human to human transmission), but stage 4 means increased human to human transmission and we'll have to start border control at the airports. Means a lot of cost/hassle to world transport and trade.[/b]- If it hits "stage 5" that's deep shit, but it'll be obvious by then. Grab your shotgun and get in the bunker.- Bird flu is still probably the prime suspect (Egypt/Indonesia) for a future pandemic.The flu normally jumps from bird to pig to human, but the swine flu is direct from pig to human. It's not unusual at all for pig to human flu but it's too early to tell what this one is like.[/b]H1N1 doesn't really mean much - it's a combination of 1-8 for both H and N, which is the mutations on the surface of the virus. There's so many combinations of both (and flus come in type A, B and C (although C is never pandemic)) so that's why last year's vaccine won't work against next year's flu. The main thing is that it's jumped from animal to person so no-one in the world has built up a natural immunity to it yet. That's also why bird flu is so bad. Also, this swine flu is infecting a lot of 25-45 year olds which is a really bad sign.[/b] Back in 1918 it (probably) started from a bird flu, but once a lot of people got sick they built up immunity, so the virus that killed loads of people ended up being just one of the "normal" strains of flu circulating for following years. Good idea to still get the flu vaccine but it won't protect against this one[/b] - the vaccine is made from the WHO's guess about the top three flu's circulating around the world each year, and this one is not in the mix. Another problem could be that this year was a pretty mild one for flu in the US so people may be more susceptible.
Comments
I'm get weary about these things because the news people always turn it into a scare story and blow it up to sell papers, which quite frankly they should all be shot for. Its their responsibility to report the truth, not scare the crap out of the planet to make a fast buck.
Does anyone know the average age and health of the people who have died so far ?
Are they dying though? Are there any reported deaths in the united states?
This is obviously a reptilian plot to kickstart the zombie apocalypse.
No, not in the US. Around 100 deaths in Mexico -- not sure about the age break-down though.
"On Sunday, Mexican Health Secretary Jose Angel Cordova said suspected[/b] swine flu cases in his country had risen to 1,614.
Of the 103 deaths in Mexico, only 20 are so far confirmed to have been caused by the new virus[/b].
I cannot find info on the age of the Mexican victims.
So far there have been no deaths attributed to this strain of "swine flu" in the US. Of the cases I have read about in Mexico the deaths have been attributed to pneumonia brought on by the flu. I have not read any info on age breakdown.
Some facts about the 1918 "Spanish Flu" pandemic that killed millions (it killed more people than WW I did).
1) It was killing groups that normally did not die from outbreaks (20-40 year olds) but it wasn't from pneumonia complications but from the disease causing a hyperactive immune response, literally their bodies where attacking themselves, killing them with scary rapidity.
2) President Woodrow Wilson ignored the problem and focused on the Great War hamstringing public health in the US response until it was far too late. Medical science was also just in the process of becoming professionalized in the US and this deadly combo meant that in the US the medical system was crushed under the shear size of the problem.
3) The disease came came in waves, rapidly mutating as it swept around the world multiple times.
So far, the swine flu hasn't been as volatile as the Spanish Flu of 1918 (thankfully). It is jumping from human to human (this is not good). Travel is far quicker and more common (also not good, making it harder to contain). Public health is better prepared and we don't have a White House actively suppressing information on a potentially sever outbreak (this is very good because while this will not stop an outbreak, it won't magnify it like President Wilson did).
While I am not happy with how the folks at CNN and their ilk are reporting on this I am glad that information is getting out.
I am going to get a bit more defensive as a precaution.
Here is a good link on things you can do:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ben-sherwood/swine-flu-survival-three_b_191459.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/27/health/27questions.html?_r=1
This shit is way too close to home for my tastes now.
I am saying. People talking about how because we don't all have SARS or bird flu, there's nothing to worry about.
Maybe this is nothing, maybe its just getting started. Whatever, shit is (potentially) real, and its some different shit when its in chicken coops in Asia as opposed to an elementary school in Queens..
Thing is it's already hit NY - 75 kids in one school have come down with it, and it's in Texas and Kansas as well as California. The US cases haven't caused any deaths yet (there've been (unconfirmed) 70 deaths out of about 800 in Mexico) but in some ways that's worse, cause it means people will transmit it instead of just dropping dead.
This swine flu is already human to human and has blindsided the authorities. A CDC rep says it's already too late to contain it, which is true because they don't have a clue how widespread it is at the moment. The best they can do is ban public gatherings and tell people to do handwashing, social distancing etc. That'll work in Mexico but no way it's going to go down in NY even if they try to.
No way to know what's going on till the end of this week. That's when the latest test results will come back. Also, there'll be a spike in cases/deaths but that's just because they'll now find cases because they're looking for it.
Google mapped
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/
More resources and information:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
Embeddable widget linking to these pages:
It's spreading fast but I guess the timing seems a little better, in the fact that a flu outbreak this late in the season is easier to spot than, say, two or three months ago.
Definitely cause for caution but I wouldn't go getting my panties in a bunch just yet.
Some things you need to know....
There are NO hard surface disinfectant products approved by the EPA for the Swine Flu(H1N1).
This means that hand washing and general cleanliness is your best weapon. Alcohol Gels can be effective but so can just plain soap and water. Again, no disinfecting hand cleaners are approved to combat H1N1 virus.
You can NOT get the Swine Flu from eating or cooking pork....this is a myth.
The virus is airborne and wearing a surgical mask can help avoid it.
Here are some other generic tips put out by the CDC.....
____________________________________________________________________________________________
How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
?? Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
?? Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
?? Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
?? Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
?? If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
?? Fast breathing or trouble breathing
?? Bluish skin color
?? Not drinking enough fluids
?? Not waking up or not interacting
?? Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
?? Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
?? Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
?? Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
?? Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
?? Sudden dizziness
?? Confusion
?? Severe or persistent vomiting
How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32- year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
?? Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
?? Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
?? Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
remind me how this is different from say.......the flu?
RAT + CAT + DOG = HOG!
Fun fact: The Spanish Flu was named not because it originated in Spain or hit Spain the hardest, but because, since Spain wasn't trying to hide the casualty rate from their WWI enemies (they weren't primary combatants), it was the first country to acknowledge and publicize the outbreak, which was going on simultaneously worldwide.
How long before the Republicans propose building a "flu fence" along the border?
b/w
I heard on the news this morning that the NYC cases were brought back from a school trip to Mexico, i.e. this isn't popping up randomly all over the place.
What they need to stress is that like most flu viruses, most of the people that get it - who aren't especially vulnerable, like people who are alreayd ill, babies and old folks - are just going to suffer as if they had a "regular" flu.