Caution, information provide best defense against Swine Flu

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VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Stories on the Swine Flu are leading news reports the past few days. Cases of the flu were recently confirmed in California, Ohio, New York, Texas and Kansas. 

"Caution is necessary -- alarm is not," said Col. Richard Murphy, 71st Flying Training Wing vice commander. "We just need to educate our folks." 

The following information is taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site -- http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/. 

Swine Flu is a respiratory disease in pigs caused by type A influenza. Swine Flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with Swine Flu do occasionally occur. Most commonly, human cases of Swine Flu happen in people with direct exposure to pigs. 

The Swine Flu presents itself like any other flu. Of the 64 cases currently confirmed in the United States, there have been no fatalities. 

The first step in prevention is to avoid contact with pigs or people infected with the Swine Flu virus. You cannot contract Swine Flu by eating pork. 

The symptoms of Swine Flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. 

The 71st Medical Group at Vance recommends the following to prevent and treat Swine Flu: 

Prevent the spread of viruses by washing your hands with warm water, soap or an alcohol-based gel after contact with an ill individual or before eating. Pay particular attention to washing under fingernails and at the base of the fingernail in the cuticle region. 

Avoid touching your eyes and nose with your fingers as this is the most common way viruses enter the body. 

Avoid contact with sick people. If you are sick with flu-like symptoms such as fever, malaise, body ache, headache, cough, diarrhea or vomiting, the CDC recommends you stay at home to prevent spreading the virus to others. 

The Texas Public Health Department recommends individuals stay home from school or work for one week if they develop flu like symptoms and a fever greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The body may continue to shed viruses even after you become symptom-free. 

Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough and dispose of used tissue in the trash.
Avoid sharing utensils or clothing between well and ill people. If this is necessary, the utensils or clothing must be washed in hot, soapy water between uses. Adding bleach to the solution improves the eradication of viruses. 

Use bleach-based cleaning agents or a bleach-based solution on contaminated surfaces to kill viruses and prevent the spread of viruses through indirect contact. Viruses may survive for days on surfaces like doorknobs or table tops. 

Wearing a surgical mask is appropriate if you are ill with flu-like symptoms. Most viruses similar to Swine Flu exit the body through aerosolized particles -- small droplets of water -- emitted during coughing or sneezing. If you are being seen in the clinic or an emergency room for flu symptoms with respiratory signs, you will likely be asked to wear a mask by the staff. 

If you desire medical attention, go to the primary care manager/facility. If you are severely ill, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. 

Viral illnesses like Swine Flu are more dangerous for infants, small children, the elderly, the ill and those with a compromised immune system. Be particularly careful if you are the caregiver for these individuals.