The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 8 a.m. today, May 1, reported the number of “confirmed” human cases of swine flu (H1N1) in the United States at 141.
At the same time, the World Health Organization reported Mexico with 156 confirmed human cases of infection, including nine deaths. Other cases internationally, with no deaths, include Austria (1), Canada (34), Germany (3), Israel (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (3), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (8).
To date, no “confirmed” cases have been reported in Washington state, although six samples were sent to the CDC for testing on April 30. In addition, most cases of the swine flu reported in the United States have proven to be “mild,” according to Dr. Bruce Wright, director of WSU’s Health & Wellness Services.
What are the symptoms?
As of now this disease is presenting similar symptoms as “normal” flu:
- fever greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
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cough
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sore throat
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body aches
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headache
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chills
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some people report vomiting and diarrhea
Prevention
To help stop the spread of germs take the following steps:
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Put your used tissue in the waste basket.
Wash your hands frequently especially after coughing or sneezing
Wash with soap and water for 20 – 30 secs or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.
Keep your hands away from your face. Avoid touching you eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Do not share drinks, utensils, and lip gloss, etc.
Don’t go to class or work when you’re sick.
Stay home and rest. If you are experiencing flu-like conditions seek medical help; call Health & Wellness Services at 509-335-3575 or call your physician.
Be cautious about close contact with others who are not well.Stay three to six feet away from those you observe coughing or sneezing.
Avoid shaking hands.
Get plenty of sleep, drink plenty of fluids and eating a healthy, balanced diet.
Related articles include:
05-01-09 CDC — H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Infections Alert for Institutions of Higher Education
05-01-09 CDC — May 1, 2009, update on the swine flu outbreak in the United States
05-01-09 World Health Organization — Influenza A(H1N1) Update 7
CDC — General information about H1N1 swine flu
