Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/i nvestigation.htm CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?

CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, 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.

How does swine flu spread?

Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?

First and most important:
wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

* If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water. or clean with alcohol- based hand cleaner. we recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol- based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used.

You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care. In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
* Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting

How serious is swine flu infection?

Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious.

In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year- old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products.
Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

Safe Sleeping Rules for Infants

- Do not sleep in the same bed with your baby. Use a crib, bassinet or playpen designed for babies. Do not allow your baby's older brothers or sisters to sleep with your baby.

- Do not fall asleep with your baby on a couch. Your baby may get wedged between the back of the couch and the larger person's body, or your baby's head may become buried in cushion crevices or soft cushions.

- Do not place your baby on a free-floating, wavy waterbed or similar surface in which the baby could suffocate.

- Do not place your sleeping baby on pillows, cushions, sofas or loose bedding.

- Keep excess bedding, toys, stuffed animals and pillows out of the crib while baby sleeps.

- Do not cover your baby's face with blankets while your baby is sleeping.

Fatty Acids and Your Child: What You Need to Know

Our children are becoming increasingly burdened by poor nutrition and its consequences. There exists an imbalance of essential fatty acids in the diet. The typical American diet has an over abundance of omega 6 fatty acids. What is an essential fatty acid, EFA? Simply put, these are fats that our bodies need to function properly, especially our brains and the immune system. There is a large body of evidence that shows that the modern American diet is inadequate for proper EFA balance.

Omega 6 fats are found in vegetables, seeds, grains and their oils as well as in animals fed these products. They are necessary, but we consume far too much of them. The dramatic increase in dietary omega 6 fatty acids has come mostly from the intake of processed foods. These foods contain large amounts of soy and corn oil, sources of omega 6 fatty acids. Unfortunately, these fats are the precursors for the immune system’s inflammatory cascade. The final result is an increase in disease burden through increased inflammation.

Omega 3 fats are found in fish, grass, almonds, flax and wild game meats. They are precursors to EPA and DHA, two fatty acids that our bodies utilize for brain and immune system function. Omega 3 fatty acids compete and reduce the harmful excessive omega 6 end products. Diets rich in omega 3 foods are associated with decreased cardiovascular morbidity, post partum depression, reduced neuropsychiatric disease morbidity and improved eye health. Looking at this list of foods, it is likely that your child does not get enough of these important EFA’s.

Inflammation in our bodies is essential for normal healing processes, such as a sprained ankle or infection control. However, balance is the key to health and wellness. Excessive dietary omega 6 fatty acids are analogous to a tank of gasoline waiting around for a fire(disease) to feed and burn out of control. Inflammation is likely a root cause of most of our chronic diseases in children and adults. Therefore, a balanced essential fatty acid makeup in our diet will result in better brain and immune function while decreasing abnormal inflammation.

The take home message is to limit processed foods and try to get your omega 6 fats from whole foods, not their oils. Practically, this means avoiding fried foods, most commercially produced meats, snack foods made with soy, corn and other seed oils. If you prefer to eat meat, eat it sparingly and eat grass fed varieties that are hormone and antibiotic free.

Parenting is a life long responsibility. Educate your children by example and through love. Teach them to eat for life and wellness. As always, love your child, love your child and then love them some more all while parenting them.

Drug companies: No cold medicines for kids under 4

WASHINGTON (AP) - Drug companies say children under 4 should not be given cough and cold medicines.

The industry has been criticized by pediatricians for marketing over-the- counter cough and cold remedies for children under 6 despite a lack of evidence that they work, and reports of safety problems.

A spokeswoman for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association said Tuesday the decision was voluntary and was being made "out of an abundance of caution."

The companies will also add a warning to their product labels saying parents should not give young children antihistamines to make them sleepy. Antihistamines are used to relieve allergies.

Government health officials said last week the issue needed additional study.

Mosquitoes can spread illness; protect yourself from bites

RALEIGH –Sentinel chicken flocks maintained by local governments and the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are showing an increase in mosquito-borne viruses that can make people and animals sick. These birds are showing an increase in Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) activity from mosquito bites. Four horses have also been reported with EEE.

To avoid human illness, Public Health officials are urging North Carolinians to take simple steps to prevent mosquito bites and to reduce mosquito breeding conditions around the home.

“Recent rainfall in some parts of the state, along with the warm summer weather, provides ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Jeff Engel. “Mosquitoes can be more than just a nuisance – they can also make people seriously ill. Now is the time to fight the bite!”

Exposure to mosquitoes can be limited by wearing long- sleeved shirts and long pants and by using insect repellant, Engel said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several repellant ingredients against mosquitoes – DEET, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus.However, oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years old, says the CDC. Engel reminded consumers to look for products that contain the CDC-recommended ingredients and to carefully read and follow all label instructions.

Another key to avoiding bites is reducing the numbers of mosquitoes around people’s homes, according to Dr. Nolan Newton, chief of DENR’s Public Health Pest Management Section.

“You can make your backyard a whole lot less mosquito- friendly by getting rid of any containers that hold water. That will take away mosquito breeding grounds,” Newton said.

“Take a good look at your yard to spot potential problem areas,” he said. “Things like bird baths, old tires, planters, toys and even small containers like tin cans can give mosquitoes a place to thrive. Cover rain barrels with tight-fitting screening and clean out birdbaths at least twice a week.”

For additional information regarding mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illness, go to the following websites: www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/phpm and www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/arbov irus, or search for “mosquito” on the CDC site at www.cdc.gov or the N.C. Public Health site at www.ncpublichealth.com.