Askbecca

Swine Flu Facts:

Swine flu is so named swine influenza, hog flu or pig flu.  Although this new mutate strain is not true swine flu it is a variation of influenza.  The origins of this new strain are currently unknown although it has been seen in pigs it is not exclusive to swine.  The current worry started in Mexico and has quickly moved to the US.  Living in New York I have to say that I am a little worried.  Schools in the city have been closed.  Schools here, about an hour outside of the city, are talking about the possibility of closing and my mother in law keeps telling me about an influenza book that she read.  According to her this is what was happening in the early 1900′s when the flu took out a huge portion of the population.  Although I keep telling her that she is worrying for nothing and that medical awareness and treatment is much different then it was in 1909 I have to admit that I am a little worried.  Perhaps the worry comes out of a student of mother whom I am acquainted with died from the flu a month ago.  Either way I feel it necessary to know what we can do and what to look for.

Swine Flu Symptoms:

I think that it is important to know what we are looking for.  If we can identify the symptoms we can make smart decisions as to seeking medical attention.

1. A fever over 100 degrees
2. cough
3. Sore throat
4. Runny nose
5. Stuffy nose
6. Muscle pain
7. Fatigue
8. Vomiting
9. Diarrhea

It ius advised that if you have any of these symptoms you call your Dr.  It is also advised that you keep children who are sick home and not have kids out of the house.

Swine Flu Precautions:

1. Wash you hands often.  Just as we teach kids it is important to wash you hands while you sing happy birthday twice the rule works well for adults as well.  I know I do it… in my head of course!  Frequent hand washing is important.  The amount of time you are washing is just as important.  Make sure that you get in between all of your fingers, under your nails and your wrists also.  DO NOT JUST RINSE!
2. Use hand sanitizers.  The hand sanitizer must contain at least 60% alcohol.  If you opt for the wipes it is important to assure that you dispose of them properly.
3. Keep your hands away from your face.  This means no playing with your chapped lips, no biting your nails and no picking your nose.  I felt that I should add that last one for the ones who do it.  You know who you are!
4. Cover your sneezes.  It is important to use the inside of your elbow or tissues for this.  I know when I was young we were taught to use our hands but that is not the acceptable way anymore.  That just helps to spread germs!
5. Make sure that you help you kids do the same!

While all of these precautions are effective there is one that I have heard in completely ineffective.  Wearing surgical masks is not advisable.  One would have to change into a new mask every few hours in order for it to be effective.  It was described in a way that made me feel it was good sound advise.  The mask traps germs.  After a few hours it has trapped all of the germs it can and you begin breathing in those germs.  You also use your hands to remove the germ filled mask spreading it to other parts of your body.

I hope that all of this information helps.  I think that if we all remain calm and follow the above precautions we will all come out of this fine.  Oh and one other thing.  It is completely fine to eat pork.  You will not get swine flu by eating pork!  Good luck!

Becca

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