Heads Up: Pandemic? Deadly Swine Flu Jumps from Human to Human??
04-28-2009, 02:06 PM
#61
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I wonder how it kills people... it's just the flu...???
I'm thinking they get dehydrated and then have electrolyte issues...
SO if you get it and have aggressive fluid resuscitation with electrolytes you should be fine... just with barf and doo doo...
I'm thinking they get dehydrated and then have electrolyte issues...
SO if you get it and have aggressive fluid resuscitation with electrolytes you should be fine... just with barf and doo doo...
04-28-2009, 02:09 PM
#62
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Private Sector Office
Contact: private.sector@dhs.gov
(202) 282-8484
Office of Health Affairs
Contact: Healthaffairs@dhs.gov
(202) 254-2249
Swine Flu Update 1
April 27, 2009 – 6:00PM
JUST IN
Statement by WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan - April 27, 2009
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/.../en/index.html
ABOUT SWINE FLU
Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in the United States. Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection also have been identified internationally. The current U.S. case count is provided at www.cdc.gov
An investigation and response effort surrounding the outbreak of swine flu is ongoing.
CDC is working very closely with officials in states where human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) have been identified, as well as with health officials in Mexico, Canada and the World Health Organization. This includes deploying staff domestically and internationally to provide guidance and technical support.
• CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the agency's response to this emerging health threat and yesterday the Secretary of the Department Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, declared a public health emergency in the United States. This will allow funds to be released to support the public health response. CDC's goals during this public health emergency are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to assist health care providers, public health officials and the public in addressing the challenges posed by this newly identified influenza virus. To this end, CDC has issued a number of interim guidance documents in the past 24 hours. In addition, CDC's Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is releasing one-quarter of its antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to help states respond to the outbreak. Laboratory testing has found the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available.
FEDERAL INTERAGENCY UPDATES
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• (4/27/09) Press briefing on Swine Influenza with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and White House: http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1240773850207.shtm
Post the Swine Flu Web Widget
• Help us get the message out to the public, post the Swine Flu Web Widget to your web site: http://www.hhs.gov/
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• Main CDC Swine Flu Page: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
• Key Facts on Swine Flu: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm
• CDC Caretaking Guidance: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidance/
• Travelers Health: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluUS.aspx
• Information for Airline Passengers Exposed to Swine Flu: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSw...assengers.aspx
• Good Health Habits Guidance: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm
• Swine Flu and You: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: PandemicFlu.gov
• (4/26/09) HHS Declares Public Health Emergency for Swine Flu http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2009pr...20090426a.html
• Guidance for individuals and families preparing for pandemic: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/index.html.
• Planning information for community organizations: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/community/index.html
U.S. Department of Agriculture
• (4/27/09) Update By Secretary Of Agriculture Vilsack Regarding USDA Outreach Efforts Regarding Swine Influenza A (H1N1) http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p...09/04/0132.xml
• Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/?cont...09/04/0131.xml
Office of Personal and Management
• (See attached) Memorandum for Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies, Advice to Federal Employees and Agencies on Preventing the Spread of the Current Flu and Maintaining Readiness to Use HR Flexibilities if Necessary http://www.opm.gov/
U.S. Department of Labor/Office of Safety and Health Administration
• Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic http://www.osha.gov/Publications/inf..._pandemic.html
• Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSH...mic_health.pdf
• Proposed Guidance on Stockpiling of Respirators and Facemasks in Occupational Settings: http://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/sto...spirators.html
TRAVELERS GUIDANCE
• Travelers Health: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluUS.aspx
PREVENTION GUIDANCE
It is prudent for businesses to act in the absence of sufficient data to protect their employees and take advantage of a narrow window of opportunity for intervention. Persons with febrile respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections (including influenza and other respiratory illnesses) to others in their communities. In addition, frequent hand washing can lessen the spread of respiratory illness. As public health officials in the United States learn more about this virus, updated guidance will be issued to the public in conjunction with our state, local, tribal and territorial partners.
• Identify your city, county or state public health department’s website for the most accurate information on what is taking place in your local area. These sites contain information on the current conditions in your area, what services are available as well as what services may be curtailed or suspended for the duration of an outbreak of influenza.
• Identify your Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP) and employee readiness to successfully navigate a difficult period. Consulting a website like www.ready.gov on how employees should have enough food, water, medications, and other necessities to weather any breakdown in the supply chain that could prevent employees from reporting to their place of employment.
• Identify policies and procedures to protect and sustain workers
o Emphasize worker and workplace disease control and protection
o Encourage employees to take actions to stay healthy. Such as covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Promote often hand washing with soap and water. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth
o If an employee is sick, CDC recommends that the individual stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them
• Identify and assess all essential services, functions, and processes necessary to keep systems running
• Identify the types and numbers of workers critical to sustain essential functions
o Define roles and responsibilities of employees, labor organizations, staff, supervisors, managers, and staff medical personnel
o Assess impacts from short-term and extended absences by essential workers
o Access, practice, and test remote connectivity and accessibility options for workers to ensure services remain operational
• Review all equipment critical to support each essential function
o Review primary and supporting components of critical equipment to identify potential critical system failures and possible cascading consequences
• Prepare to sustain essential equipment, materials, and supplies for a nationwide wave lasting up to 12 weeks
o Assess implications if your essential equipment fails early on during the influenza outbreak
• Determine the most effective ways to ensure adequate supply of essential materials
o Identify physical or safety limitations in stocking sufficient critical supplies locally
o Assess recurring and preventative maintenance requirements
• Identify Federal, State, and local regulatory requirements that may affect business operations
o Consider how each action relates to those emergency response actions in existing business contingency and emergency response plans
• Identify effects from mitigation strategies; take actions to reduce negative impacts
o Discuss strategies’ potential impacts with workers, as well as your strategies management will take to communicate with employees, before, during, and after an outbreak
o Discuss the potential impacts of these strategies with workers, their families, and with customers, supporting businesses and other stakeholders
o Collaborate with public/private partners such as state and local health authorities and first responders who support and rely on you
Private Sector Office
Contact: private.sector@dhs.gov
(202) 282-8484
Office of Health Affairs
Contact: Healthaffairs@dhs.gov
(202) 254-2249
Swine Flu Update 1
April 27, 2009 – 6:00PM
JUST IN
Statement by WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan - April 27, 2009
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/.../en/index.html
ABOUT SWINE FLU
Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in the United States. Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection also have been identified internationally. The current U.S. case count is provided at www.cdc.gov
An investigation and response effort surrounding the outbreak of swine flu is ongoing.
CDC is working very closely with officials in states where human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) have been identified, as well as with health officials in Mexico, Canada and the World Health Organization. This includes deploying staff domestically and internationally to provide guidance and technical support.
• CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the agency's response to this emerging health threat and yesterday the Secretary of the Department Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, declared a public health emergency in the United States. This will allow funds to be released to support the public health response. CDC's goals during this public health emergency are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to assist health care providers, public health officials and the public in addressing the challenges posed by this newly identified influenza virus. To this end, CDC has issued a number of interim guidance documents in the past 24 hours. In addition, CDC's Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is releasing one-quarter of its antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to help states respond to the outbreak. Laboratory testing has found the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available.
FEDERAL INTERAGENCY UPDATES
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• (4/27/09) Press briefing on Swine Influenza with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and White House: http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1240773850207.shtm
Post the Swine Flu Web Widget
• Help us get the message out to the public, post the Swine Flu Web Widget to your web site: http://www.hhs.gov/
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• Main CDC Swine Flu Page: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
• Key Facts on Swine Flu: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm
• CDC Caretaking Guidance: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidance/
• Travelers Health: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluUS.aspx
• Information for Airline Passengers Exposed to Swine Flu: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSw...assengers.aspx
• Good Health Habits Guidance: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm
• Swine Flu and You: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: PandemicFlu.gov
• (4/26/09) HHS Declares Public Health Emergency for Swine Flu http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2009pr...20090426a.html
• Guidance for individuals and families preparing for pandemic: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/index.html.
• Planning information for community organizations: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/community/index.html
U.S. Department of Agriculture
• (4/27/09) Update By Secretary Of Agriculture Vilsack Regarding USDA Outreach Efforts Regarding Swine Influenza A (H1N1) http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p...09/04/0132.xml
• Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/?cont...09/04/0131.xml
Office of Personal and Management
• (See attached) Memorandum for Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies, Advice to Federal Employees and Agencies on Preventing the Spread of the Current Flu and Maintaining Readiness to Use HR Flexibilities if Necessary http://www.opm.gov/
U.S. Department of Labor/Office of Safety and Health Administration
• Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic http://www.osha.gov/Publications/inf..._pandemic.html
• Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSH...mic_health.pdf
• Proposed Guidance on Stockpiling of Respirators and Facemasks in Occupational Settings: http://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/sto...spirators.html
TRAVELERS GUIDANCE
• Travelers Health: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluUS.aspx
PREVENTION GUIDANCE
It is prudent for businesses to act in the absence of sufficient data to protect their employees and take advantage of a narrow window of opportunity for intervention. Persons with febrile respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections (including influenza and other respiratory illnesses) to others in their communities. In addition, frequent hand washing can lessen the spread of respiratory illness. As public health officials in the United States learn more about this virus, updated guidance will be issued to the public in conjunction with our state, local, tribal and territorial partners.
• Identify your city, county or state public health department’s website for the most accurate information on what is taking place in your local area. These sites contain information on the current conditions in your area, what services are available as well as what services may be curtailed or suspended for the duration of an outbreak of influenza.
• Identify your Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP) and employee readiness to successfully navigate a difficult period. Consulting a website like www.ready.gov on how employees should have enough food, water, medications, and other necessities to weather any breakdown in the supply chain that could prevent employees from reporting to their place of employment.
• Identify policies and procedures to protect and sustain workers
o Emphasize worker and workplace disease control and protection
o Encourage employees to take actions to stay healthy. Such as covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Promote often hand washing with soap and water. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth
o If an employee is sick, CDC recommends that the individual stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them
• Identify and assess all essential services, functions, and processes necessary to keep systems running
• Identify the types and numbers of workers critical to sustain essential functions
o Define roles and responsibilities of employees, labor organizations, staff, supervisors, managers, and staff medical personnel
o Assess impacts from short-term and extended absences by essential workers
o Access, practice, and test remote connectivity and accessibility options for workers to ensure services remain operational
• Review all equipment critical to support each essential function
o Review primary and supporting components of critical equipment to identify potential critical system failures and possible cascading consequences
• Prepare to sustain essential equipment, materials, and supplies for a nationwide wave lasting up to 12 weeks
o Assess implications if your essential equipment fails early on during the influenza outbreak
• Determine the most effective ways to ensure adequate supply of essential materials
o Identify physical or safety limitations in stocking sufficient critical supplies locally
o Assess recurring and preventative maintenance requirements
• Identify Federal, State, and local regulatory requirements that may affect business operations
o Consider how each action relates to those emergency response actions in existing business contingency and emergency response plans
• Identify effects from mitigation strategies; take actions to reduce negative impacts
o Discuss strategies’ potential impacts with workers, as well as your strategies management will take to communicate with employees, before, during, and after an outbreak
o Discuss the potential impacts of these strategies with workers, their families, and with customers, supporting businesses and other stakeholders
o Collaborate with public/private partners such as state and local health authorities and first responders who support and rely on you
04-28-2009, 02:12 PM
#64
from Homeland Security
FAQ’s
Updated 04.27.09 at 7:20 p.m.
How will the U.S government respond to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) decision to raise the alert level?
For the last several days, the federal government has already been taking actions consistent with what the WHO recommends for phase 4, such as increased surveillance and heightened communications designed to reduce the risk of exposure.
Will the United States Government issue a travel advisory to avoid travel to Mexico?
After consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the State Department issued a travel advisory on Monday recommending citizens avoid non-essential travel to Mexico. The travel advisory will remain in effect until public health officials determine the risk from the outbreak has subsided.
The State Department will continue to keep American citizens currently in Mexico and those considering travel to Mexico informed through the Warden Message system. This information is available at state.gov, travel.state.gov and through the U.S. Embassy in Mexico at http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/eacs...ouncement.html
DHS along with federal partners continue to consult with CDC to determine appropriate public health measures. In addition to he measures we are currently taking, the U.S. is considering many of the relevant actions recommended, including implementing layered screening measures. The measures we are currently undertaking are fully consistent with the U.S. Pandemic Influenza Implementation Plan, which we operate as an obligation under the International Health Regulations.
Who has the authority to order quarantines?
Local, state, and federal public health officials can issue quarantines under each jurisdiction’s legal authority. At the state and local level, each state has varying laws for implementing quarantines. Most, however, allow for local and state public health agencies to issue quarantine orders supported by local law enforcement.
At the federal level, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has established legal federal authorities pertaining to the implementation of a quarantine and enforcement. Under approval from HHS, the Surgeon General has the authority to issue quarantines necessary to prevent the introduction, transmission or spread of communicable diseases.
In addition, U.S. Customs and Coast Guard Officers assist in the enforcement of quarantine orders. Other DOJ law enforcement agencies including the U.S. Marshals, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) may also enforce quarantines. Military personnel are not authorized to engage in enforcement.
Is the National Pandemic Strategy and Implementation Plan in effect?
Yes.
What role, if any, does the FEMA administrator play in the ongoing response, as principal domestic emergency management advisor to the president?
Absent a Stafford Act Declaration, FEMA is monitoring the current outbreak and is ready to position assets to assist state and local jurisdictions as the need arises.
Is there a pre-designated pandemic national Principal Federal Official (PFO)? Who is it?
As announced by the White House on April 26, Secretary Napolitano is the national principal federal official.
Are there regional PFOs and Federal Coordinating Officers for pandemic, and who are they?
Yes, there are five regional PFO positions and 10 deputy PFO’s. Each team also includes a Federal Coordinating Official from FEMA. Currently, the department is reviewing staffing requirements should PFO teams need to be deployed.
Have there been national pandemic exercises, how many and when?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS), CDC, and other federal departments and agencies have participated in numerous regional and national-level exercises over the past four years. In addition, the Federal Government has ensured that states have finalized and exercised plans.
Are there current plans to shut down the border?
No. DHS is consulting closely with the CDC to determine appropriate public health measures. The CDC does not recommend closing the border as an effective public health measure at this time.
What steps are you taking to prevent those with flu-like symptoms from crossing the border?
As part of Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) routine procedures, if someone crossing the border appears ill, the person is referred to a CDC quarantine station or a local public health official for evaluation. There is no mandatory quarantining at this time. If a person tests positive for influenza, a sample is sent to the CDC for confirmation.
Who is taking the lead on behalf of the federal government?
Secretary Napolitano and the Department of Homeland Security have the overall lead for coordinating the federal response to the current swine influenza outbreak in the United States. The Department is closely coordinating with HHS and CDC.
FAQ’s
Updated 04.27.09 at 7:20 p.m.
How will the U.S government respond to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) decision to raise the alert level?
For the last several days, the federal government has already been taking actions consistent with what the WHO recommends for phase 4, such as increased surveillance and heightened communications designed to reduce the risk of exposure.
Will the United States Government issue a travel advisory to avoid travel to Mexico?
After consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the State Department issued a travel advisory on Monday recommending citizens avoid non-essential travel to Mexico. The travel advisory will remain in effect until public health officials determine the risk from the outbreak has subsided.
The State Department will continue to keep American citizens currently in Mexico and those considering travel to Mexico informed through the Warden Message system. This information is available at state.gov, travel.state.gov and through the U.S. Embassy in Mexico at http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/eacs...ouncement.html
DHS along with federal partners continue to consult with CDC to determine appropriate public health measures. In addition to he measures we are currently taking, the U.S. is considering many of the relevant actions recommended, including implementing layered screening measures. The measures we are currently undertaking are fully consistent with the U.S. Pandemic Influenza Implementation Plan, which we operate as an obligation under the International Health Regulations.
Who has the authority to order quarantines?
Local, state, and federal public health officials can issue quarantines under each jurisdiction’s legal authority. At the state and local level, each state has varying laws for implementing quarantines. Most, however, allow for local and state public health agencies to issue quarantine orders supported by local law enforcement.
At the federal level, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has established legal federal authorities pertaining to the implementation of a quarantine and enforcement. Under approval from HHS, the Surgeon General has the authority to issue quarantines necessary to prevent the introduction, transmission or spread of communicable diseases.
In addition, U.S. Customs and Coast Guard Officers assist in the enforcement of quarantine orders. Other DOJ law enforcement agencies including the U.S. Marshals, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) may also enforce quarantines. Military personnel are not authorized to engage in enforcement.
Is the National Pandemic Strategy and Implementation Plan in effect?
Yes.
What role, if any, does the FEMA administrator play in the ongoing response, as principal domestic emergency management advisor to the president?
Absent a Stafford Act Declaration, FEMA is monitoring the current outbreak and is ready to position assets to assist state and local jurisdictions as the need arises.
Is there a pre-designated pandemic national Principal Federal Official (PFO)? Who is it?
As announced by the White House on April 26, Secretary Napolitano is the national principal federal official.
Are there regional PFOs and Federal Coordinating Officers for pandemic, and who are they?
Yes, there are five regional PFO positions and 10 deputy PFO’s. Each team also includes a Federal Coordinating Official from FEMA. Currently, the department is reviewing staffing requirements should PFO teams need to be deployed.
Have there been national pandemic exercises, how many and when?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS), CDC, and other federal departments and agencies have participated in numerous regional and national-level exercises over the past four years. In addition, the Federal Government has ensured that states have finalized and exercised plans.
Are there current plans to shut down the border?
No. DHS is consulting closely with the CDC to determine appropriate public health measures. The CDC does not recommend closing the border as an effective public health measure at this time.
What steps are you taking to prevent those with flu-like symptoms from crossing the border?
As part of Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) routine procedures, if someone crossing the border appears ill, the person is referred to a CDC quarantine station or a local public health official for evaluation. There is no mandatory quarantining at this time. If a person tests positive for influenza, a sample is sent to the CDC for confirmation.
Who is taking the lead on behalf of the federal government?
Secretary Napolitano and the Department of Homeland Security have the overall lead for coordinating the federal response to the current swine influenza outbreak in the United States. The Department is closely coordinating with HHS and CDC.
04-28-2009, 02:15 PM
#65
People have no defenses built up and when infected the body's own defensive systems are triggered to a powerful extent.
Babies and older adults have weak immune systems which is why they are vulnerable to complications from the usual yearly flu - they tend to get pneumonia and other opportunistic infections after being weakened further by the yearly flu, but don't have systems which really react strongly to the flu itself either because they are young and have weak immune systems or are older and have many past flu infections to strengthen the specific immunity factors which are the same for many flu strains.
What happens with young and healthy patients is that their immune systems react so strongly that they can triggers something known as a "cytokine storm".
http://www.fluwikie.com/index.php?n=...rCytokineStorm
When this happens the person's immune system overreacts to the totally new flu virus and actually attacks the body's healthy organs and systems - that makes the healthy approximately 15 to 60 year old individual the most likely to actually succumb to the flu.
Because this cytokine storm phenomena is generally rare it is also not well understood. Cytokines are similar to hormones and are used by the body to communicate between cells, mostly on a local basis.
A cytokine storm can overwhelm the nervous system and cause breathing problems which is why hospitals put critical flu patients on assisted breathing machines.
Babies and older adults have weak immune systems which is why they are vulnerable to complications from the usual yearly flu - they tend to get pneumonia and other opportunistic infections after being weakened further by the yearly flu, but don't have systems which really react strongly to the flu itself either because they are young and have weak immune systems or are older and have many past flu infections to strengthen the specific immunity factors which are the same for many flu strains.
What happens with young and healthy patients is that their immune systems react so strongly that they can triggers something known as a "cytokine storm".
http://www.fluwikie.com/index.php?n=...rCytokineStorm
When this happens the person's immune system overreacts to the totally new flu virus and actually attacks the body's healthy organs and systems - that makes the healthy approximately 15 to 60 year old individual the most likely to actually succumb to the flu.
Because this cytokine storm phenomena is generally rare it is also not well understood. Cytokines are similar to hormones and are used by the body to communicate between cells, mostly on a local basis.
A cytokine storm can overwhelm the nervous system and cause breathing problems which is why hospitals put critical flu patients on assisted breathing machines.
another link
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/27...ef=mpstoryview
Seemingly out of nowhere, the swine flu virus has spread from person to person in Mexico and the United States, triggering global concerns as governments scramble to find ways to prevent further outbreak.
Q. What is swine flu?
A. Swine influenza, or flu, is a contagious respiratory disease that affects pigs. It is caused by a type-A influenza virus. Outbreaks in pigs occur year-round.
The most common version is H1N1. The current strain is a new variation of an H1N1 virus, which is a mix of human and animal versions.
Q. Does swine flu affect humans?
A. While the virus causes regular outbreaks in pigs, people usually are not struck by swine flu. However, there have been instances of the virus spreading to people -- and then from one person to another. The only difference is, says the CDC, transmission in the past did not spread beyond three people -- as it has done this time.
Q. What is behind the spread of the virus this time?
A. Researchers do not know yet know. People usually get swine flu from infected pigs. For example, farmers handling infected pigs can contract the virus. However, some human cases have occurred without contact with pigs or places they inhabited.
Q. What are the symptoms of swine flu?
A. The symptoms are similar to the common flu. They include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Q. How does the virus spread?
A. The virus spreads the same way the seasonal flu does. When an infected person coughs or sneezes around another person, the latter is put at risk. People can become infected by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes. An infected person can pass the virus to another before any symptoms even develop. Video Watch advice on avoiding the swine flu »
Q. Why is this spread troubling?
A. Scientists are concerned whenever a new virus is able to jump from an animal to a person -- and then spread from person to person. When the flu spreads person to person, it can continue to mutate, making it harder to treat or fight off.
The World Health Organization has said the current outbreak has "pandemic potential," and has urged governments to take precautions to prevent its spread. If the virus continues to mutate, drug makers won't be able to come up with vaccines fast enough.
Q. Can swine flu be fatal?
A. Just like the regular flu, swine flu worsens pre-existing medical conditions in people. So people with already compromised immune systems can die after contracting it.
Q. But doesn't the common flu kill more people?
A. Yes, common seasonal flu kills 250,000 to 500,000 people worldwide every year. But what worries officials is that a new strain of the flu virus can spread fast because people do not have natural immunity and vaccines can take months to develop.
Q. Have there been swine flu outbreaks in the past?
A. From 2005 to January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the United States, without deaths occurring, the CDC said. In September 1988, a healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died a week later. And in 1976, a swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey, caused more than 200 illnesses and one death.
Q. What does the World Health Organization mean when it says swine flu has "pandemic potential"?
A. If the virus spreads over a wide geographic area and affects a large segment of the population, it is upgraded from an "epidemic" to a "pandemic."
Q. How deadly have pandemics been in the past?
A. In 1968, a "Hong Kong" flu pandemic killed about 1 million people worldwide. And in 1918, a "Spanish" flu pandemic killed as many as 100 million people.
Q. How can one keep from getting swine flu?
A. There are no vaccines available. But several everyday steps can help prevent the spread of germs: Washing hands frequently; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; and avoiding touching surfaces that might be contaminated. Video Watch how much of Mexico City has come to a halt »
Health Library
* MayoClinic.com: Influenza (flu)
Q. Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
A. Yes, the CDC recommends using anti-viral drugs. They keep the virus from reproducing inside the body. And in an infected person, the drugs make the illness milder.
Q. Can one contract swine flu from eating or preparing pork?
A. No. Pork and other pig-derived products, if properly handled and cooked, do not transmit swine flu. The flu virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160°F (70°C).
Q. What is swine flu?
A. Swine influenza, or flu, is a contagious respiratory disease that affects pigs. It is caused by a type-A influenza virus. Outbreaks in pigs occur year-round.
The most common version is H1N1. The current strain is a new variation of an H1N1 virus, which is a mix of human and animal versions.
Q. Does swine flu affect humans?
A. While the virus causes regular outbreaks in pigs, people usually are not struck by swine flu. However, there have been instances of the virus spreading to people -- and then from one person to another. The only difference is, says the CDC, transmission in the past did not spread beyond three people -- as it has done this time.
Q. What is behind the spread of the virus this time?
A. Researchers do not know yet know. People usually get swine flu from infected pigs. For example, farmers handling infected pigs can contract the virus. However, some human cases have occurred without contact with pigs or places they inhabited.
Q. What are the symptoms of swine flu?
A. The symptoms are similar to the common flu. They include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Q. How does the virus spread?
A. The virus spreads the same way the seasonal flu does. When an infected person coughs or sneezes around another person, the latter is put at risk. People can become infected by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes. An infected person can pass the virus to another before any symptoms even develop. Video Watch advice on avoiding the swine flu »
Q. Why is this spread troubling?
A. Scientists are concerned whenever a new virus is able to jump from an animal to a person -- and then spread from person to person. When the flu spreads person to person, it can continue to mutate, making it harder to treat or fight off.
The World Health Organization has said the current outbreak has "pandemic potential," and has urged governments to take precautions to prevent its spread. If the virus continues to mutate, drug makers won't be able to come up with vaccines fast enough.
Q. Can swine flu be fatal?
A. Just like the regular flu, swine flu worsens pre-existing medical conditions in people. So people with already compromised immune systems can die after contracting it.
Q. But doesn't the common flu kill more people?
A. Yes, common seasonal flu kills 250,000 to 500,000 people worldwide every year. But what worries officials is that a new strain of the flu virus can spread fast because people do not have natural immunity and vaccines can take months to develop.
Q. Have there been swine flu outbreaks in the past?
A. From 2005 to January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the United States, without deaths occurring, the CDC said. In September 1988, a healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died a week later. And in 1976, a swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey, caused more than 200 illnesses and one death.
Q. What does the World Health Organization mean when it says swine flu has "pandemic potential"?
A. If the virus spreads over a wide geographic area and affects a large segment of the population, it is upgraded from an "epidemic" to a "pandemic."
Q. How deadly have pandemics been in the past?
A. In 1968, a "Hong Kong" flu pandemic killed about 1 million people worldwide. And in 1918, a "Spanish" flu pandemic killed as many as 100 million people.
Q. How can one keep from getting swine flu?
A. There are no vaccines available. But several everyday steps can help prevent the spread of germs: Washing hands frequently; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; and avoiding touching surfaces that might be contaminated. Video Watch how much of Mexico City has come to a halt »
Health Library
* MayoClinic.com: Influenza (flu)
Q. Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
A. Yes, the CDC recommends using anti-viral drugs. They keep the virus from reproducing inside the body. And in an infected person, the drugs make the illness milder.
Q. Can one contract swine flu from eating or preparing pork?
A. No. Pork and other pig-derived products, if properly handled and cooked, do not transmit swine flu. The flu virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160°F (70°C).
Last edited by Rescuer; 04-28-2009 at 02:21 PM.
04-28-2009, 02:26 PM
#66
http://www.butasforme.com/2009/04/25...mic-influenza/
"Viruses, like this strain of swine flu, kill their host by over-stimulating active immune systems that are robust and healthy. That is why the victims in Mexico were between the ages of 20 and 45."
I suffer from an auto-immune disease and am on a medication that shuts down my immune system
i got my 5th infusion of Remicade yesterday! I get it done every 8 weeks, which I'm going to change to every 6 weeks
"Viruses, like this strain of swine flu, kill their host by over-stimulating active immune systems that are robust and healthy. That is why the victims in Mexico were between the ages of 20 and 45."
I suffer from an auto-immune disease and am on a medication that shuts down my immune system
i got my 5th infusion of Remicade yesterday! I get it done every 8 weeks, which I'm going to change to every 6 weeks
04-28-2009, 03:18 PM
#70
04-28-2009, 07:15 PM
#73
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The test release of this bio-weapon was done in a country who can re-populate faster than the bio-weapon can kill, so that it can be attributed to an unknown strain of influenza instead of being linked back to someone attempting genocide.
04-28-2009, 10:12 PM
#75
So ive been cleaning this medclinic for about two years now... today these are ALL over the reception areas
in two years ive NEVER seen a mask in any of the trashes... today i did
and Fair Oaks is a 15min drive from the medclinic and where we live
in two years ive NEVER seen a mask in any of the trashes... today i did
and Fair Oaks is a 15min drive from the medclinic and where we live