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> The media has certainly made the public aware of the recent
> outbreak of swine flu. But what does that really mean for you and me?
> For a long time we have known that there is the potential for a flu
> pandemic to occur. A pandemic is considered to be a disease or illness
> that exists in a widespread form that affects people in many different
> countries. Recently there has been the bird flu outbreak in Asia. This
> particular strain of flu, that they are calling "swine flu", seems to be
> a rare combination of bird flu and swine flu. It has different
> properties than recent strains of flu and therefore people have no
> natural immunity to it. It cannot be spread through eating pork. It is
> a person to person virus only. The flu shot vaccine, from this years
> supply, will not affect this strain of flu.
> The Republic RIII School District has a Pandemic Flu Plan in place that
> sets guidelines for school attendance and preparedness. This is based
> on the WHO and CDC recommendations. Attention is also placed on
> appropriate sanitization and cleaning. This regime was stepped up two
> years ago in response to the MRSA protocols.
> Things to keep in mind:
> * This virus is spread through respiratory droplets, when someone
> coughs or sneezes.
> * It can be spread through the air when you breathe it in.
> * It can live on hard surfaces and on your hands, making it very
> easy to carry from person to person.
> * It is highly contagious, meaning you can contract the virus
> easily.
> * The main routes of transmission include the mouth, nose and
> eyes. Keep hands away from these areas.
> * Symptoms should appear within 48 hours of exposure.
> * Cases cannot be confirmed right away, so there may be more cases
> than noted.
> * Anyone is susceptible to this virus, not just the young, old and
> infirmed.
> * Taking personal precautions as a rule will greatly reduce your
> chances of contracting this illness.
> * Antiviral medications (Tamiflu, Relenza) from your doctor, can
> be taken to reduce the duration and severity of the illness when taken
> with the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
>
> The epicenter for this outbreak seems to be in Mexico, with 100+ swine
> flu related deaths now reported. We are beginning to have confirmed
> cases here in the United States as well. With the media attention, and
> the potential for rapid spread, many have become concerned about their
> own personal safety. While the swine flu seems to be highly contagious,
> the same precautions need to be followed that you have heard for years.
>
> Here are the top ten ways you can protect yourself.
> #1 Wash your hands! Wash or sanitize before eating, after restroom use
> and often in between.
> #2 Keep your hands off of your face (especially eyes, nose and mouth).
> #3 Cover your cough (ideally cough into your sleeve at the crook of your
> elbow).
> #4 Dispose of tissues properly and then wash your hands.
> #5 Keep at least an arms distance (three feet is recommended) between
> you and anyone known to be ill.
> #6 Avoid crowded events and gatherings when possible. Wear a mask if you
> are concerned.
> #7 Wash hard surfaces regularly with a sanitizer or bleach solution
> (tables, light switches, faucet handles, key boards, phones, door knobs
> and etc.)
> #8 Keep your immune system strong by eating properly, exercising,
> getting adequate rest, and proper vitamin and mineral supplementation.
> 9# Stay home when you are ill with a fever and respiratory
> complications.
> 10# If you become severely ill with fever and massive aches and fatigue,
> seek medical attention within the first 48 hours of the onset of
> symptoms (earlier the better) to seek an antiviral medication. This can
> reduce the severity of symptoms and the duration of the illness.
> The bottom line is that this is a serious illness, however by
> understanding how the virus is spread and taking proper precautions you
> can keep yourself healthy. Even if you are unfortunate enough to
> contract the illness, by seeking medical attention early, your chances
> of getting through the illness without problems is very good. Remember
> that knowledge is power. Be proactive. Don't wait to see if you get
> ill, take precautions to avoid it. Be empowered! Use what you know to
> stay well.
>Permission to reprint and distribute by author Lisa Schilling R.N. of the Trenton, Missouri School District