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WHAT IS THE SWINE FLU?
EVENT:
Swine flu outbreaks
have occurred in primarily Mexico
and the United States,
killing at least 150 people, and creating a potential for a pandemic event.
Other affected countries include Canada,
Israel, New Zealand and Spain.
While some of the
swine flu cases in Mexico
have been severe, most of the
U.S. cases of the swine flu have been mild.
Often, hospitalization is not required, and victims experience symptoms similar
to seasonal influenza (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills
and fatigue).
EVALUATION:
Historically, swine
flu infections have caused few deaths. While the disease may be fatal, the
majority of cases are mild. The concern stems from the disease’s ability to
mutate, creating a strain for which humans may not have immunity.
Due to these events,
the World Health Organization has raised its pandemic threat level from 3 to 4,
meaning there has been verified human-to-human transmission of the disease,
causing “community-level outbreaks.” Phase 4 indicates a significant increase in
risk of a pandemic but does not necessarily mean that a pandemic is a forgone
conclusion.
The WHO recognizes
the desire to try to contain the virus by using such methods as border patrols
and airport screenings, but advises that such efforts may not be effective. "At
this time, containment is not a feasible option," said Keiji Fukuda, the WHO's
assistant director general for health security and environment. "This virus has
already spread quite far." Instead, the WHO recommends that sick individuals
avoid traveling and that all people take regular precautions to limit their
self-exposure to the disease.
Dosages of
vaccines, including Tamiflu, are currently being dispensed and managed by
Mexican authorities and are delegated to hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, medical
professionals in areas with high prevalence. They are also being reserved for
those displaying signs and symptoms of the viral infection or those who carry
high risk for contraction of the swine influenza. MEDEX has not learned of any
preventative administration of Tamiflu to ordinary citizens or travelers that
are not showing symptoms or are not at high risk for infection. It is important
to be cautious when taking any medication, as counterfeit vaccines may surface
during this time.
On a 1-5 scale,
where 1 is the best, Mexico has an overall medical risk rating of 3. Private hospitals in the
larger cities offer many physicians who speak English and can provide adequate
care for flu symptoms. In an effort to stem the spread of the disease, the
Mexican government, however, is urging individuals not to come to the hospital
unless urgent medical care is required. Quality medical care is far less
available in more rural areas. For a list of the top MEDEX-approved facilities
in Mexico, call the
Emergency Response Center, or clients with access to the
online Member
Center can visit MEDEX 360ºm.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
If you do not come
into contact with travelers from Mexico,
or you are not or have not traveled to Mexico yourself, regular flu precautions should provide adequate
protection. This includes avoiding close contact with people showing flu-like
symptoms, frequent hand washing, and other good health habits.
If you are traveling to or have recently been to Mexico
and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, you may wish to seek medical attention.
If you are ill, avoid traveling until the situation subsides. Vaccines such
as Tamiflu may help limit the symptoms of the disease, but its effectiveness has
not yet been proven against the swine flu. Vaccines specifically for the swine
flu are in development, but are months away from being available, and the
virus’s ability to mutate means that the effectiveness of any vaccine may be
questionable.
AAt this time, proper
health precautions should be taken to limit the spread of this or any influenza
virus. The key ways to limit your exposure are to avoid crowded areas and people
who are ill, sneezing or coughing, and to wash your hands frequently.
MEDEX advises
individuals and organization to follow local public health recommendations until
this swell of cases subsides. MEDEX has posted a
Swine Flu website ffor more
information.
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