Swine Flu precautions distributed by Public Health

The emergence of the new swine flu virus has prompted Shasta County health officials to advise North State residents to stay home when sick with respiratory illness, be diligent with flu prevention strategies, and avoid traveling to affected areas when possible.

There are no known cases of the disease in Shasta County, though there are now 40 cases in the United States and additional cases in countries around the world.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a nationwide public health emergency in response to a worldwide outbreak of a newly discovered swine flu virus. Though the disease has been mild in otherwise healthy patients in the United States, it is a new disease to which no one is immune and there is no vaccine.

Shasta County Public Health has been part of a statewide system since 2006 to detect respiratory illnesses in the community. "Detecting a new virus strain like this demonstrates that the disease tracking system is working," said Public Health Director Donnell Ewert. "This is an excellent example of how our surveillance process in California is able to help protect our community and detect new health concerns early."

Take precautions to avoid swine flu

Local health care providers are being asked to alert Public Health when they identify patients who have been diagnosed with a flu-like illness and who have had contact with a person with confirmed swine flu, or who have traveled to San Diego, Imperial or Sacramento counties in California; the San Antonio area of Texas; New York City; Dickinson County, Kansas; Lorain County, Ohio; Mexico City, Mexico; Ontario, Canada; or other affected areas in the past seven days. Physicians have also been advised to send patient specimens that meet criteria to the Public Health lab for testing.

To protect yourself, practice your usual seasonal flu prevention actions.

• Stay home when you are ill, and keep sick children home. Swine flu is contagious the day before symptoms show up, and up to seven days afterwards.

• Wash your hands frequently.

• Cover your cough and sneeze with sleeve or tissue.

• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers and antibacterial wipes (such as the ones found in grocery stores).

• See a doctor if you have flu-like illness, you are seriously ill and you have had contact with someone who is known to have had swine flu.

• Avoid unnecessary travel to areas where swine flu has been confirmed.

Symptoms of swine flu may include:

• Fever (greater than 100°F)

• Sore throat

• Cough

• Stuffy nose

• Chills

• Headache and body aches

• Fatigue

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting