CDCHAN-00282-2009-04-26-ADV-N
Risk of Swine Flu Associated with Travel to
Affected Areas
Public health officials
within the
Swine
flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a type A
influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect
humans; however, human infections with swine flu do occur. Public health officials have determined that
this strain of swine flu virus spreads from human to human and can cause
illness.
The outbreak is ongoing
and additional cases are expected. For more information concerning swine
flu infection, please see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
website: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/. For specific information on travel
precautions and an update on the affected areas, please visit: www.cdc.gov/travel.
The symptoms of swine flu in people are
similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu in humans and may include:
·
Fever (greater than 100°F
or 37.8°C)
·
Sore throat
·
Cough
·
Stuffy nose
·
Chills
·
Headache and body aches
·
Fatigue
Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.
Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been
reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may
cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
People entering the
United States who are experiencing symptoms consistent with swine flu and have
traveled to an affected area (see http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm for affected areas), or have been exposed to someone
possibly infected with swine flu, during the last 7 days should report their
illnesses to their health care provider immediately and inform them of their
recent travel.
People traveling from
the
To prevent the spread of swine flu:
·
Avoid contact with ill persons.
·
When you cough or sneeze, cover
your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (if you do not have a
tissue). Throw used tissues in a trash
can.
·
After you cough or sneeze,
wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand
gel.
·
If you think you are ill
with flu, avoid close contact with others as much as
possible. Stay at home or in your hotel room. Seek medical care if you are severely ill
(such as having trouble breathing).
There are antiviral medications for prevention and treatment of swine
flu that a doctor can prescribe. Do not
go to work, school, or travel while ill.
For information
about the current swine flu investigation, see www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/investigation.htm.
You can access the same information by calling
1-800-CDC-INFO.
HAN Message Types
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- Health Advisory: Provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action. Example: HAN00316
- Health Update: Provides updated information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action. Example: HAN00309
- Info Service: Provides general information that is not necessarily considered to be of an emergent nature. Example: HAN00319
## This Message was distributed to State and Local Health Officers, Public Information Officers, Epidemiologists and HAN Coordinators as well as Clinician organizations ##
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- Content source: CDC Emergency Risk Communication Branch (ERCB), Division of Emergency Operations (DEO), Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response (OPHPR)
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