Swine Influenza, or H1N1, remains in the headlines as more cases are being reported across the globe. In the U.S. alone, fifty-plus cases have been confirmed on a weekly basis since the outbreak in mid-April 2009. Although government officials have been able to contain the panic that is customary in outbreaks such as these, it’s hard to remain indifferent to the possibilities of mutations, pandemics and deaths within our American borders.
While the Centers for Disease Control is working diligently to spread public awareness, there are now at least twenty-one states reporting confirmed cases. New York, Texas and California remain the top three hot spots, although South Carolina has reported thirteen cases of swine flu in recent days. Clearly, it’s becoming difficult to keep an already nervous public’s fears at bay. Currently, government officials are working to educate the public on how to reduce the transmission as well as provide information for those within the medical sector and the general public regarding suspected cases and general guidelines that should be followed.
Swine Flu Symptoms
As with all respiratory illnesses, swine flu symptoms may present in a number of ways and while some may be present in one patient, they may not affect another. These tell-tale signs include:
• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Runny Nose
• Sore Throat
• Cough
• Diarrhea
The CDC is advising persons with swine flu will present with at least two of these symptoms and the rule of the thumb is if one is susceptible to any of the more traditional flu strains, he or she will be just as susceptible for contracting swine influenza. These symptoms aren’t inclusive of only swine flu; however, they do merit close monitoring and a trip to the person’s physician.
The CDC is also advising those with any of these symptoms to avoid contact with others, remain in bed and is also strongly discouraging travel for those who feel ill. If one does leave his home to seek medical attention or for any other reason, they’re requested to wear a mask or otherwise cover coughs and sneezes to help prevent the spread of this sickness.
It’s important to note that unlike other flu strains, swine flu responds well to anti-viral drugs such as TamiFlu. This only reiterates the importance of seeking medical attention when swine flu is suspected. Further, the CDC has also released nearly 25% of its stockpile of this and other anti-viral drugs to help combat the spread.
On the Horizon
Although there is no definitive swine flu vaccine, scientists throughout the world are working on one. It certainly looks promising, although this is one outbreak we must all weather without the advantage of a vaccine. Experts say this is still at least eighteen months away while the Food and Drug Administration has agreed to fast track the vaccine once it’s developed.
In the meantime, a healthy dose of respect for the precautions and the willingness of those either suspected or confirmed to have swine flu to remain out of the public will go much further than panic and not becoming at least aware of the symptoms. There appears to be no proverbial light at the end of the tunnel…yet. This will go down in history as a learning curve as we look back, knowing swine flu has been eradicated courtesy of a vaccine that was developed in response to the 2009 outbreak.
Useful resources:
- http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU/ – Most complete source of information on H1N1 flue