“At this time of year we typically see some increase of symptoms, whether due to colds and respiratory infections, strep throat, stomach viruses, and others including flu,” said Dr. Livia Cabauatan, medical director for the Logan County Health Department. “Many people with flu-like symptoms are receiving a “rapid test” which is useful in determining whether flu is an A or B strain, but does not confirm swine flu. Because we are just now in the very early stages of our regular flu season, and because we are seeing greater numbers of flu-like illness than is typical for this time of year, it is assumed that people who are testing positive for A on the rapid test have swine flu. Whether flu is due to the swine strain or a seasonal strain, symptoms and treatment are similar. For this reason, it is not feasible to confirm swine flu in every patient who has symptoms.”
The current circulating strain of swine flu does not appear to be any more severe or deadly than the typical seasonal flu. What is different is that the highest rates of illness are in people under 25. The elderly do not appear to be getting swine flu as often as younger people, probably due to some immunity left over from the swine flu we experienced in the 1970s. However, if the elderly do get it, they are at increased risk for complications.
The vast majority of people with swine flu will recover without problems. Most will start to feel better within a few days. If not, if symptoms are severe, or if symptoms improve and then worsen, they need to be re-evaluated by a physician. As with any illness, however, certain populations are at a greater risk of developing complications if they do get swine flu. These include people with chronic underlying health conditions; women who are pregnant; children less than 5-years-old, and people who are immunocompromised.
Flu-like symptoms are fever and cough and/or sore throat. Symptoms frequently include headaches, body aches, chills, extreme fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. People who fall into the above high risk categories should see their physician as soon as possible if they have symptoms. The use of anti-viral medications can help reduce complications in this population. Antivirals work best when started in the first 24 to 48 hours.
According to, “We have been and continue to work closely with the school system. The schools have been great in educating parents, staff, and students in appropriate hygiene and in making those resources available,” said Sherry Adams, surveillance nurse at the Health Department. “If a child becomes ill at school parents are notified and the child is kept in a separate area away from other students until they can be picked up and taken home. It is very important that parents realize sick children need to be kept home from school until they have had no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducers. Giving your child Motrin or Tylenol to lower their fever and then sending them on to school does not count.
“We realize this may be difficult for some parents, particularly those who work, but this is important in decreasing the spread of flu to others. It is also important in protecting the child who is ill. Think about it — a child who is ill does not need to return to school or be out in crowded places where they may be exposed to other viruses that could make their illness much more severe.
“We have had discussions with school personnel regarding the best and safest way to immunize large numbers of children once the swine flu vaccine becomes available in sufficient quantities. At this time we are looking at options, including doing vaccination clinics in the schools, and they have agreed to assist in any way with this.
“While public health officials do not anticipate a shortage of swine flu vaccine in the long run, we will probably not be getting enough vaccine to do large clinics until early November. At this time, our office does not have any doses of swine flu vaccine.”
Post a Comment
