Swine Flu in the U.S.

Swine flu has been confirmed in the United States in California, Texas, Ohio, Kansas, and New York. It is believed that the swine flu began in Mexico. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has no reported cases in Illinois at this time. The McDonough County Health Department, McDonough District Hospital, and Beu Health Center are monitoring the situation. McDonough District Hospital is using CDC recommendations to guide patient screening and care.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person. Swine flu is not transmitted by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork products, however it is always recommended to thoroughly cook pork to 160º F to avoid food borne illness.

Currently there is no vaccine available to protect against swine flu. A seasonal flu shot is not expected to protect against swine flu and therefore everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza include:

• 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.

Seasonal flu symptoms include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, and coughing. Reported swine flu symptoms also include runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these symptoms please contact your medical provider.

Since the vast majority of the swine flu cases have been confirmed in Mexico, the Illinois Department of Public Health recommends that if you are returning from travel to or from Mexico, pay close attention to your health for seven days. If you become sick with a fever plus a cough, sore throat, or have trouble breathing during this period, see a doctor. Stay home if you are sick unless it is to get medical care. By limiting contact with others as much as possible, you can help prevent the spread of an infectious illness.

Although currently there are no travel restrictions recommended, the World Health Organization is holding routine meetings and this may change. If you are planning travel to Mexico or are returning from Mexico, follow these recommendations to reduce your risk of infection and help you stay healthy: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluMexico.aspx

The McDonough County Health Department, McDonough District Hospital, and Beu Health Center will continue to keep the public updated as information arises. For the latest information on human cases of swine flu (H1N1) in the United States please link to http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm.