Update 7 May, 2009 1100: Educational resources available from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress may be helpful in understanding and explaining the risks and prevention of exposure to the H1N1 virus.
Public Health Emergencies Offer Teachable Moments
http://www.cstsonline.org/pandemicflu.shtml
Update Tuesday, 28 April 2009 1200: The recent response to the risk of Swine flu exposure reminds us of the need for emergency preparedness for family and home at all times. We take this opportunity to direct you to a checklist for preparing your home and family in case of any emergency situation, which could include severe storms, flooding, natural disasters, etc.
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/checklist.html
Swine Flu Update 1 (Monday, 27 April, 2009 at 1200): In response to the recent rise in the number of confirmed cases of swine influenza A(H1N1) in the United States, Mexico and around the world, the Department of Health and Human Services on Sunday, April 26, 2009, declared a public health emergency in the United States. The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences takes seriously the real threat of swine flu exposure and its potential impact on our students, faculty, employees and their families. As of today, Monday, 27 April, 2009 at 1200, there are no confirmed cases of swine flu in the D.C. metropolitan region.
The Department of Defense and all segments of the U.S. government are working along with international partners to lessen the impact of swine flu.
Most people catch swine flu the same way they catch other strains of the flu - by coming in contact with droplets from infected people after they sneeze or cough, or by contact with infected persons or contaminated surfaces.
Major health organizations, such as the WHO, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Public Health Agency of Canada agree that handwashing and hand sanitizing with an alcohol-based hand rub are especially critical to minimize the spread of germs during times of illness outbreak. The CDC recommends the following every day actions 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 hand cleaners are also effective.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
When people catch swine flu they may have a fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue just like the regular flu. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. As with the regular flu, people with chronic medical conditions are at risk for more severe illness.
If you think you have swine flu contact your health care provider. He or she will be able to determine if you need testing or treatment.
For more information on Swine Influenza, visit http://www.cdc.gov, http://www.dod.mil/pandemicflu or http://www.pandemicflu.gov. USU will continue to monitor this public health issue in coordination with the National Naval Medical Center and Department of Defense.