Swine Flu Information

SWINE FLU

Following the outbreak of swine Flu and widespread reporting on the illness, there have been widespread concern and request for information.

We have compiled the following information that will assist you with understanding the illness and on what to do.

A. Facts about the Swine Flu Influenza

· Swine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease in pigs caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses (similar to the viruses that cause the FLU in humans).

· The current outbreak is being caused by the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus that affects both pigs and humans.

· Swine influenza is highly contagious and tends to cause severe symptoms but few cases of death (1%-4%).

· In the United States, 64 confirmed cases of swine flu have been reported as of April 28, 2009 and all affected patients have had mild influenza like illness, with only 2 requiring brief hospitalization. No deaths have been reported in the United States.

· The usual vaccine for influenza administered at the beginning of the flu season is not effective for this viral strain.

· Kenya’s Government and public health officials are monitoring the threat from swine influenza and will provide guidance to health care professionals and the public.

B. Symptoms of Swine Flu Influenza

Manifestations of swine influenza are similar to those of seasonal influenza. Patients present with symptoms of acute respiratory illness, including at least 2 of the following:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills and fatigue
• Diarrhea and vomiting (especially in children)

C. Treatment for Swine Flu Influenza

Treatment is largely supportive and consists of:

• Drinking plenty of fluids that boosts immunity: please avoid alcohol that will lead to dehydration.

• Plenty of Rest is vital as it boosts your immunity and allows your body to recover.

• Chicken soup: known to relieve congestion.

• Honey/ginger: soothes the throat and helps with the cough.

• Painkillers like Paracetamol (e.g. panadol) for the aches and pains.

• Steam inhalation to decongest the nose.

Treatment with Antiviral Drugs

· Antiviral drugs may also be considered for treatment or prevention .

· Oseltamivir and zanamivir antiviral drugs have been shown to be effective in treating the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus. Initiation of antiviral agents within 48 hours of symptom onset is imperative for providing treatment efficacy against influenza virus.

· The recommended duration of treatment is 5 days.

· Prevention with antiviral drugs should also be considered in the following individuals (before exposure or after exposure):

1. Close contact of a confirmed/suspected case of swine FLU with people with chronic medical conditions e.g. asthmatics , persons  above 65 years or less than 5 years and pregnant women.

2. Travelers to Mexico by people with chronic medical conditions e.g. asthmatics ,persons  above 65 years or less than 5 years and pregnant women.

3. Health care providers or public health workers who were not using appropriate personal protective equipment during close contact with a confirmed or suspected case

D. What to do if swine Flu is detected and confirmed in your community.

The CDC recommends the following actions:

Home isolation

• Patients who develop flu-like illness (i.e. fever with either cough or sore throat) should be strongly encouraged to self-isolate in their home for 7 days after the onset of illness or at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer.
• To seek medical care, patient should contact their health care providers to report illness (by telephone or other remote means) before seeking care at a clinic, physician’s office, or hospital.
• Patients who have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath or who are believed to be severely ill should seek immediate medical attention.
• If the patient must go into the community (e.g., to seek medical care), he or she should wear a face mask to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in the community. If a face mask is unavailable, ill persons who need to go into the community should use tissues to cover their mouth and nose while coughing.
• While in home isolation, patients and other household members should be given infection control instructions, including frequent hand washing with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand gels (containing at least 60% alcohol) when soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty. Patients with swine influenza should wear a face mask when within 6 feet of others at home.
• For other people in the house who are not ill should minimize contact in the community, assign one to act as a care giver to the ill family member and should remain home at the earliest sign of illness.

School dismissal and childcare facility closure

• Strong consideration should be given to close schools upon a confirmed case of swine flu or a suspected case epidemiologically linked to a confirmed case.
• Consultation with local or state health departments is essential for guidance concerning when to reopen schools. If no additional confirmed or suspected cases are identified among students (or school-based personnel) for a period of 7 days, schools may consider reopening.
• Schools and childcare facilities in unaffected areas should begin preparation for possible school closure.

Social distancing

• Large gatherings linked to confirmed cases should be cancelled .
• Additional social distancing measures are currently not recommended.

E. Further Reading and Special thanks

Because the situation is changing rapidly, it is important to check regularly for changes in recommendations as new information becomes available. Online resources for daily guidance include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

For reading the detailed report click here.

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