Take precautions to limit threat of swine flu
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While there have been few confirmed cases of swine flu in Connecticut, The William W. Backus Hospital is asking people not to visit patients if they are experiencing respiratory symptoms.
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.
Hospital staff is practicing the usual infection control protocols - including washing hands regularly - to reduce the threat of an outbreak.
The hospital is preparing for the potential of the swine flu, which at this point if it occurs the illness is not expected to be any more severe than a typical flu, said Dr. Peter Shea, Medical Director at Backus.
Hospital staff is currently evaluating the hospital's supply of flu vaccine, masks and swabs; any patient with respiratory symptoms is being isolated and tested for flu with swabs; and visitors with respiratory symptoms are being asked not to visit the hospital.
Hospital staff is reviewing its Pandemic Plan, meeting daily to monitor the situation and reporting findings to the state Department of Public Health.
Dr. Shea said one of the clearest symptoms of the flu is a fever, and this is important to note because it is also allergy season.
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
Robin Heard, a nurse epidemiologist and Coordinator of Infection Control at Backus, said the best way to prevent the flu is:
- Wash your hands
- Maintain good sleep habits
- Exercise
- Eat well
- Stay away from crowds when you are feeling sick.
- If you are coughing and sneezing, it's better to use your arm to cover your mouth and nose rather than your hand, because you are less likely to transmit the germs that way.
- 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.
According to the CDC, while not in Connecticut so far, the outbreak is ongoing and additional cases are expected. For more information concerning swine flu infection, visit http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.
For specific information on travel precautions and an update on the affected areas, please visit: www.cdc.gov/travel.
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 United States to affected areas should be aware of the risk of illness with swine flu and take precautions.
Read "Swine Influenza: What Connecticut residents need to know" from the Connecticut Department of Public Health here.