How to Prepare for a Swine Flu Epidemic

Swine flu is a type of influenza caused by an outbreak of flu among pigs. While many cases of swine flu in humans are caused by contact with sick pigs, swine flu is also transmitted by human-to-human contact. The problem with swine flu is that people in general have low immunity towards the virus. Since swine flu is similar to seasonal influenza, the best ways to prevent infection are similar to preventing the regular flu. Sometimes the flu reaches epidemic or pandemic proportions. To prepare for a swine flu epidemic, follow the steps below.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Make sure to get up-to-date information about a swine flu epidemic or pandemic through the World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The WHO is an international public health organization that monitors outbreaks of infectious diseases. The WHO issues pandemic alerts from one to six. Phases five to six represent widespread human infection. The CDC is an United States' organization associated with the Department of Health and Human Services. Both organizations will have current information about swine flu epidemics and pandemics. The links for the WHO and CDC are listed in the resource section below.

2. To prepare for a swine flu epidemic make sure to be ready to avoid anyone with flu-like symptoms. Swine flu symptoms are similar to regular seasonal influenza. Symptoms include loss of appetite, fever, lethargy, and coughing. Some people who are infected with swine flu will also experience diarrhea, vomiting, sore throats, chills, and runny noses. People infected with swine flu are contagious for up to seven days. Children with swine flu may be contagious for up to 10 days or longer.

3. Be prepared to get medication to help prevent or treat swine flu. Antiviral medication works well when taken within one to two days from the onset of symptoms. According the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir) are the best medications to treat and help prevent swine flu; however, the CDC notes there is no vaccine to prevent swine flu. Seasonal flu vaccines may help prevent some strings of swine flu, but the vaccines will not protect people from swine flu H1N1 viruses.

4. Prepare for a swine flu epidemic by planing to avoid contact with people in heavily populated areas and in areas known to have had swine flu outbreaks. Since swine flu can be contracted from other people who are infected, make sure to wash hands often. Use alcohol based hand cleaners. Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

5. Prepare for a swine flu epidemic by stocking up on water, food, and supplies to avoid having to go out in public. If you have to out in public, try going during times where there will be the least amount of people.

6. Familiarize yourself with emergency symptoms. Contact an doctor immediately if you experience trouble breathing or shortness of breath, have abdominal or chest pain, sudden dizziness, confusion, or persistent vomiting.

7. Watch children for signs of swine flu that need prompt medical attention. In children symptoms such as fast breathing, blue skin, avoiding fluids, irritability, or having a fever with rash are serious signs that a child needs medical attention immediately.

8. If you become diagnosed with swine flu, make sure start medication right away and stay home to avoid infecting others. Cover your mouth with tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of used tissues immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Scientists work on a swine flu vaccines for current outbreaks; however, it takes several months or more before shots become available to the public.
• Diagnosis of swine flu can only be confirmed through laboratory tests.
• It's uncertain if face masks provide any protection from swine flu. They may help prevent spreading of influenza infections.
• It's unlikely pets will become infected with swine flu.
• If you become sick with influenza symptoms and suspect you have swine flu, contact a health care provider.

Resources

• Center for Disease Control and Prevention-Swine Flu
• World Health Organization
• Current WHO Phase of Pandemic Alert
• A Cruel Wind: Pandemic Flu in America 1918-1920-Amazon.com

[megs11237]

on 8/22/2009 Two things to keep in mind, as of right now there will only be 45 million vaccinations ready when flu season gets here which will be used on "at risk" groups. Also WHO is recommending that only really sick people or at risk people are given antivirals like Tamiflu and Relenza. While it may not be a really dangerous outbreak this season, it is still a good idea to utilize the best information to help reduce the risk of acquiring any of the flu viruses, http://www.how-to-prevent-swine-flu.info

[julianaliversen]

on 5/24/2009 i think it's good to buy tamiflu http://tamiflushop.us/product/tamiflu.html

[dthere]

on 4/28/2009 Thanks for keeping me healthy, C...:)

[ScarlettOHairy]

on 4/27/2009 Good tips to protect yourself during the swine flu epidemic. OINK!

[cherold598]

on 4/27/2009 A shot in 1976 for swine flu will probably not protect you against the current outbreak. Like most influenza viruses, swine flue changes its genetic structure and different strains develop. According to the CDC there is no vaccine for the current swine flu outbreak.