4/28/2009 SCHOOL COUNCIL - KC COOMBS SCHOOL Minutes

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PUBLIC HEALTH Swmine , Flu F-AC-T SHEET Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 250 Washington Street, Boston, IIIA 02108 What is swine influenza.? Swine influenza(swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a type of influenza virus. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu,but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human eases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs but it's possible for swine flu viruses to spread from one person to another. In the United States here were 1.2 eases of swine flu in people from 2006 through 2008. In March and April 2009 there have been many more eases of swine flu than usual in both Mexico and the U.S. and the infections have spread from one person to another. What are the symptoms of swine flu in people's Swine flu causes sym toms very similar to seasonal or human flu. The most common symptoms of swine flu, like seasonal flu, are fever, cough, and sore throat and can include body aches,headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting. were have been some people with swine flu who have been sicker and have even died. Is swine flus treatable in people? People sick with any type of flu should make sure to drink enough fluids, etlent of rest, eat health foods, p y wash hands frequently and stag home to avoid spreading the flu to other people. The kinds of drugs used to treat seasonal flu, called antivirals, can also he used to treat swine flu. There have been a few influenza viruses, nicluding the most recent swine flu, that are resistant to some, but not all, of these drugs. Healthcare providers may recommend that people who are sick or appear to be sick with swine flu receive an antiviral medication. ow would I know if I have swine flex: If you have symptoms of influenza as described above, and especially if you have recently traveled to an area where there have been human cases of swine flu, contact your healthcare provider who will decide what type of testing and treatment is right for you. To diagnose any kind of flu virus, a swab of the inside of your nose needs to be collected by a doctor. Identification of a swine flu virus requires special laboratory testing. If you think you aright have swine flu and you need to see your health care provider, you should call ahead and let therm know you might have the flu. That way, precautions can be taken to avoid the spread of flu to others. What if I recently traveled to a region where swine flu in humans has been found? If you have recently traveled to an area affected by swine flu,be watchful for any flu-like symptoms. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, stag home to avoid exposing others and contact your healthcare provider; your healthcare provider will decide what type of testing and treatment is right for you. To diagnose any bind of flu virus, a swab of the inside of your nose creeds to be collected by a doctor. Identification of a swine flu virus requires special laboratory testing. How can I protect myself and others from swine flu? You can protect yourself and others from swine flu the same way that you can protect yourself from seasonal flu. Avoid holding, hugging, kissing, or shaping hands with anyone who has a cold or the flu. wash your hands often with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitier. Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes. Clean things that are touched often like door handles, telephones, etc. If you get sick with a flu-like illness say home from work and school and avoid contact with others so the virus sloes not spread.