[Fredslist] Fwd: Questions & Answers about Swine Flu from CDC

[sfzinder at aol.com]

In my ongoing effort to pass on to Gotham those items that come across my desk regarding Influenza A (H1N1) - please see below information which was circulated today by the CDC -



Susan Zinder








H1N1 
Flu (Swine Flu) and You



May 3, 2009 3:29 PM ET


What is H1N1 (swine 
flu)?
H1N1 (referred to as "swine 
flu" early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new 
virus was first detected in people in April 2009 in the United 
States. Other countries, including 
Mexico and Canada, 
have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from 
person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza 
viruses spread.


Why is this new H1N1 
virus sometimes called "swine flu"?
This virus was 
originally referred to as "swine flu" because laboratory testing showed that 
many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that 
normally occur in pigs in North America. But 
further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally 
circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that 
normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia 
and avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" 
virus. 


Do pigs carry this 
virus and can I catch this virus from a pig?
At 
this time, there is no evidence that swine in the United 
States are infected with this new virus. 
However, there are flu viruses=2
0that commonly cause outbreaks of illness in pigs. 
Most of the time, these viruses do not infect people, but influenza viruses can 
spread back and forth between pigs and people. 


Are there human infections with this H1N1 
virus in the U.S.?
Yes. 
Cases of human infection with this H1N1 influenza virus were first confirmed in 
the U.S. in Southern California and near Guadalupe County, Texas. The 
outbreak intensified rapidly from that time and more and more states have been 
reporting cases of illness from this virus. An updated case count of confirmed 
novel H1N1 flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/investigation.htm. 
CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this 
situation. 


Is this new H1N1 virus 
contagious? 
CDC has determined that this new H1N1 
virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, 
it is not known how easily the virus spreads between 
people.


What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in 
people?
The symptoms of this new 
influenza A H1N1 virus in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human 
flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and 
fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus 
also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.  Also, like seasonal flu, severe 
illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this 
virus. 


How severe is illness 
a
ssociated with this new H1N1 virus?
It's not known at 
this time how severe this virus will be in the general population. CDC is 
studying the medical histories of people who have been infected with this virus 
to determine whether some people may be at greater risk from infection, serious 
illness or hospitalization from the virus. In seasonal flu, there are certain 
people that are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. This 
includes young children, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions 
and people 65 and older. It's unknown at this time whether certain groups of 
people are at greater risk of serious flu-related complications from infection 
with this new virus. CDC also is conducting laboratory studies to see if certain 
people might have natural immunity to this virus, depending on their 
age.


How does this new H1N1 
virus spread? 
Spread of this H1N1 virus is thought 
to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are 
spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with 
influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu 
viruses on it and then touching their mouth or 
nose.


Can I get infected 
with this new H1N1 virus from eating or preparing 
pork?
No. H1N1 viruses are not spread by 
food. You cannot get this new HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products. 
Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is 
safe.


Is there a risk from 
drinking=2
0water?
Tap water that has been treated by 
conventional disinfection processes does not likely pose a risk for transmission 
of influenza viruses. Current drinking water treatment regulations provide a 
high degree of protection from viruses. No research has been completed on the 
susceptibility of the novel H1N1 flu virus to conventional drinking water 
treatment processes. However, recent studies have demonstrated that free 
chlorine levels typically used in drinking water treatment are adequate to 
inactivate highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. It is likely that other 
influenza viruses such as novel H1N1 would also be similarly inactivated by 
chlorination. To date, there have been no documented human cases of influenza 
caused by exposure to influenza-contaminated drinking 
water.


Can the novel H1N1 flu 
virus be spread through water in swimming pools, spas, water parks, interactive 
fountains, and other treated recreational water 
venues?
Recreational water that has been 
treated at CDC recommended disinfectant levels (1-3 parts per million [ppm or 
mg/L] for pools and 2-5 ppm for spas) does not likely pose a risk for 
transmission of influenza viruses. Currently, there are no documented human 
cases of influenza caused by exposure to influenza-contaminated swimming pool 
water. No research has been completed on the susceptibility of the novel H1N1 
flu virus to chlorine and other disinfectants used in swimming pools, spas, 
water parks, interactive fountains, and other treated recreational venues. 
However, 
recent studies have demonstrated that free chlorine levels recommended 
by CDC are adequate to disinfect highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus. 
It is likely that other influenza viruses such as the novel H1N1 flu virus would 
also be disinfected by these chlorine levels.


Can H1N1 influenza 
virus be spread at recreational water venues outside of the 
water?
Yes, recreational water venues are no 
different than any other group setting. The spread of this novel H1N1 flu is 
thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses 
are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people 
with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with 
flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or 
nose.


What should I do to 
keep from getting the flu? 
First and most 
important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of 
sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat 
nutritious food. Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu 
virus. Avoid close contact with people who are 
sick.


Are there medicines to 
treat infection with this new virus?
Yes. CDC 
recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or 
prevention of infection with these new influenza A (H1N1) viruses. Antiviral 
drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight 
against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing20in your body. If you get 
sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better 
faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. During the current 
outbreak, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs during is to treat 
severe influenza illness.


How long can an infected person spread this virus to 
others?
At the current time, CDC 
believes that this virus has the same properties in terms of spread as seasonal 
flu viruses. With seasonal flu, studies have shown that people may be contagious 
from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get 
sick.  Children, especially younger children, might potentially be 
contagious for longer periods. CDC is studying the virus and its capabilities to 
try to learn more and will provide more information as it becomes 
available.


What surfaces are most 
likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs 
can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs 
and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or 
sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a 
person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a 
desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing 
their hands.


What can I do to 
protect myself from getting sick?
There is no 
vaccine available right now to protect against this new H1N1 virus. There are 
everyday actions that can20help prevent the spread of germs that cause 
respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your 
health:



  
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. 
  
  

    
Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your 
    symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever 
    is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus 
    further. 





Other important 
actions that you can take are:



  
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, 
  avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures. 

  

Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home 
  for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand 
  rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the 
  need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious. 
  



What is the best way 
to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or 
sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact 
with other people as much as possible.=2
0Do not go to work or school if ill for 7 
days or until your symptoms go away (whichever is longer). Cover your mouth and 
nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you 
from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or 
sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time 
you cough or sneeze.


What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid 
getting the flu?
Washing your hands 
often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with 
alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands -- with 
soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water 
are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be 
used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub 
your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol 
in it kills the germs on your hands.


What should I do if I 
get sick?
If you live in areas where cases have 
been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, 
body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may 
want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried 
about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza 
testing or treatment is needed.


If you are sick, you 
should stay home and
 avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep 
from spreading your illness to others.


If you become ill and 
experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical 
care.


In children emergency 
warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: 




  
Fast breathing or trouble breathing 
  
  

Bluish or gray skin color 
  

Not drinking enough fluids 
  

Not waking up or not interacting 
  
  

Being so irritable that the child does not want to be 
  held 
  

Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever 
  and worse cough 
  

Fever with a rash 



In adults, emergency 
warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: 




  
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath 
  
  

Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen 
  
  

Sudden dizziness 
  

Confusion 
  

Severe or persistent vomiting 
  



What is CDC doing in response to the 
outbreak? 
CDC has implemented its emergency response. The agency's 
goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information 
to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address 
the challenges posed by the new virus. CDC continues to issue new interim guidance for clinicians 
and public health professionals. In addition, CDC's Division of the Strategic 
National Stockpile (SNS) continues to send antiviral drugs, personal protective 
equipment, and respir
atory protection devices to all 50 states and U.S. 
territories to help them respond to the outbreak.


What epidemiological 
investigations are taking place in response to the recent 
outbreak?
CDC works very closely with state and 
local officials in areas where human cases of H1N1 (swine flu) infections have 
been identified. In California and Texas, where EpiAid teams 
have been deployed, many epidemiological activities are taking place or planned 
including:



  
Active surveillance in the counties where infections in 
  humans have been identified; 
  

Studies of health care workers who were exposed to 
  patients infected with the virus to see if they became infected; 
  
  

Studies of households and other contacts of people who 
  were confirmed to have been infected to see if they became infected; 
  
  

Study of a public high school where three confirmed 
  human cases of influenza A (H1N1) of swine origin occurred to see if anyone 
  became infected and how much contact they had with a confirmed case; and 
  
  

Study to see how long a person with the virus infection 
  sheds the virus. 
  

Links to non-federal organizations are provided solely 
  as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of 
  these organizations or their programs by CDC or the federal government, and 
  none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the 
  individual organization Web pag
es found at these links. 
  



How long can influenza 
virus remain viable on objects (such as books and 
doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus 
can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 
hours after being deposited on the surface.


What kills influenza 
virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat 
(167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including 
chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based 
antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used 
in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or 
gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed 
into hands until they are dry. 


How should waste 
disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza 
virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza 
virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an 
infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their 
hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste. 



What household cleaning should be done to prevent the 
spread of influenza virus?
To 
prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces 
(especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys 
for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according 
to directions on the product label. 


How should20linens, 
eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be 
handled?
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes 
belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but 
importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. 



Linens (such as bed 
sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled 
dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid "hugging" laundry prior to 
washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their 
hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling 
dirty laundry. 


Eating utensils should 
be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap. 



Who is in charge of 
medicine in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) once it is 
deployed?
Local health officials have full 
control of SNS medicine once supplies are deployed to a city, state, or 
territory. Federal, state, and local community planners are working together to 
ensure that SNS medicines will be delivered to the affected area as soon as 
possible. Many cities, states, and territories have already received SNS 
supplies. After CDC sends medicine to a state or city, control and distribution 
of the supply is at the discretion of that state or local health department. 
Most states and cities also have their own medicines that they can access to 
treat infected persons. 


*Note: Much of the 
information in this document is based on studies and
 past experience with 
seasonal (human) influenza.  CDC believes the information applies to the 
new H1N1 (swine) viruses as well, but studies on this virus are ongoing to learn 
more about its characteristics. This document will be updated as new information 
becomes available. 


 




This electronic message contains information that may be privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. The information contained herein is intended for the addressee only. If you are not the addressee, any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this message (including any attachments) is prohibited. If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately and destroy the original message and all copies.


 




-------------- next part --------------
Skipped content of type multipart/related