What is the swine flu?
Over the past 5 days, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified a new strain (type) of influenza (flu virus). There is no single flu virus – it is a family of viruses. Normally, swine flu only affects pigs; however, it is similar to the flu that can infect people. Flu viruses have the ability to change (mutate). It appears this variant of the swine flu has gained the ability to infect people and be transmitted from person to person. This is different than the “bird flu†that was in the press a few years ago, because that virus gained the ability to infect people from birds; however, it did not pass from person to person.
As of April 28, 2009 the CDC has confirmed 64 cases of swine flu in the United States. This virus originated in Mexico, but has now been identified in Southern California, Texas, New York, Ohio, and Kansas.Â
What are the symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu and include fever, tiredness, aches and pains, decreased appetite and cough. Some people with swine flu have also complained of runny nose, sore throat, upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea.
How serious is this flu strain?
In the U.S, almost all swine flu cases have been mild. There is no need to panic. Only one person has required hospitalization and there have been no deaths. In Mexico, the disease appears to be more serious with many more hospitalizations and deaths; however, many of the deaths have not been confirmed to be caused by swine flu. The reason for the apparent difference is not clear. In addition, many of the really sick people in Mexico are in their 20s, 30s and 40s – i.e. ages people think would be more resistant to a serious infection. With some flu viruses it’s not the virus itself that can cause the most problems, but the body’s immune system (part of the body that fights infections) that causes the real trouble. In young and middle aged adults, the immune system is strong and could over-react.
How does it spread?
It can spread from person to person. As does the regular flu, the most common mechanisms of spread are droplet (sneeze, cough) and contact (touch). There may be a risk of spread of airborne transmission during aerosol-generating procedures (like an airplane).
What should I do?
1. Don’t panic. Right now this is not a serious outbreak in the U.S; however, new information is developing constantly.
2. If you have traveled during the past week to a high risk area or had contact with a sick person from a high risk area AND you have a fever (>100 degrees F) and other symptoms of a respiratory illness, call your doctor.
3. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
4. Wash your hands.
5. If you are sick, try to avoid public places and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
6. The CDC has issued a travel warning to avoid non-essential travel to Mexico.
Are there treatments?
The flu shot given this year does not protect from swine flu. At present scientists are developing a vaccine; however, it will not be available for a few months and recommendations will be made at that time. In addition, there are 4 different antiviral drugs in the U.S. that are licensed to treat the flu: amantadine, rimantidine, ostelamivir, and zanamivir. Based on testing at the CDC, persons who are suspected of having swine flu and/or are confirmed to have swine flu should take either oselamivir or zanamivir. There are different dosing regimens for children and adults and these medicines are most effective (and possibly only effective) if started within the first 48 hours of becoming sick. There is no data right now suggesting these medicines will help prevent the swine flu and as there is a limited supply of the medicines. Thus, treatment should be limited to persons with suspected, probable, or confirmed disease – not those exposed without symptoms. This recommendation could change with time.
Where can I get more information?
The best source for up to date information is the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov.
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David T. Teachey, MD
Health Officer, Rutledge PA