WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
CAMPBELL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

SWINE FLU UPDATE AND HEALTH ADVICE

Swine influenza A virus infection (swine flu) can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. People with swine flu also can have vomiting and diarrhea. Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe illness.

The main way that influenza viruses are thought to spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Influenza viruses may also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth, eyes, or nose or someone else's mouth, eyes, or nose before washing their hands.

Steps to help prevent the spread of swine flu or other viruses include:

* Avoid contact with ill persons.
* Cover noses and mouths with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Throw used tissues in a trash can.
* Frequent hand washing with soap and water or the use of an alcohol-based hand gel.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
* Stay home from work, school, or avoid travel while ill with flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
* Those who are severely ill (such as having trouble breathing) should seek medical care.
* Practice other good health habits-get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

For more information, please go to the web site for the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/.

Kirtikumar L. Patel, MD, County Health Officer
Della Amend RN,BC, Director of Public Health Nursing

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Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families

You can prepare for an influenza pandemic now. You should know both the magnitude of what can happen during a pandemic outbreak and what actions you can take to help lessen the impact of an influenza pandemic on you and your family. This checklist will help you gather the information and resources you may need in case of a flu pandemic.

1. To plan for a pandemic:

Store a two-week supply of water and food. During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies on-hand. This can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters.

Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home.

Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on-hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes and vitamins.

Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick or what will be needed to care for them in your home.

Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with emergency response.

Get involved in your community as it works to prepare for an influenza pandemic.

2. To limit the spread of germs and prevent infection:

Teach your children wash hands frequently with soap and water, and model the correct behavior.

Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, and be sure to model that behavior.

Teach your children to stay away from others as much as possible if they are sick. Stay home from work and school if sick.

3. Items to have on-hand for an extended stay at home.

Examples of food and non-perishables:
* ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups
* protein or fruit bars
* dry cereal or granola
* peanut butter or nuts
* dried fruits
* crackers
* canned juices
* bottled water
* canned or jarred baby food and formula
* pet food
* other non-perishable items

Examples of medical, health, and emergency supplies:
* prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment
* soap and water, or alcohol-based (65-95%) hand wash
* medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
* thermometer
* anti-diarrheal medication
* vitamins
* fluids with electrolytes
* cleansing agent/soap
* flashlight
* portable radio
* manual can opener
* garbage bags
* tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers