Swine Flu…Updates

To make updates easier on you I will be adding updates to the end of this post as I receive them. I don’t want you to have to flip between posts to get all the latest info. Just leave this window open on your browser and check back each time you check your email for the latest.

As you are, I am very concerned today about the Swine Flu and the possibility that this will be declared a pandemic. Are you prepared? Today is Saturday and many of you are running errands and working around your home. Consider a trip to the store to stock up a little. I’m not suggesting we all shut ourselves in our homes but it can’t hurt to check our supplies and fill in some of the obvious gaps. I would be sure I have over the counter medications for diarrhea, aches and fever. I would be sure I have disinfectants on hand. I would be sure I have foods, juices, teas, and soda to be used in making rehydration formulas and to feed a recovering patient.

Take a little time today to re-read the posts on pandemics. As a quick review, there are three things necessary for the World Health Organization to declare a disease a pandemic. The swine flu meets all three: 1) Is able to be transmitted from human to human 2) It is a new strain that has never been seen before 3) Is easily contracted with minimal exposure.

I will post often over the next few days as I get more updates so be sure to check back. Also, now is the time to warn those around us. Have them visit the blog or the CDC website for information on how they can be preparing. One more thing, now that you understand just how quickly a pandemic can occur be sure to ask your children’s school, when you drop them off on Monday, what their plans are in case of a pandemic. Now is the best time to ask. Everyone is talking about it now and you won’t look like a paranoid nut. Make them take action while you can get others to support you in your efforts.

This site will be updated as new information is received.

CDC website for tips and information:

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm

April 25th 11:00 a.m. PDT update:

The CDC has just released the following statement:

WASHINGTON, April 25 (Reuters) – An unusual new flu virus has spread widely and cannot be contained, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed on Saturday. “It is clear that this is widespread. And that is why we have let you know that we cannot contain the spread of this virus,” the CDC’s Dr. Anne Schuchat told reporters on a conference call.

April 25th 2:30 p.m.  pdt

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has confirmed two cases of swine flu in the state. A department spokeswoman said additional details would be released at a news conference later Saturday.

http://www.kake.com/home/headlines/43696887.html

The New York City Health Commissioner held a press conference a short time ago and confirmed the following:

Two hundred students at a private school were absent from school yesterday. One hundred of those were contacted and found to have flu symptoms. Nine who were seen at a doctor’s office were tested for swine flu and 8 of the 9 came back positive for the flu. The results are preliminary and have been sent to the CDC in Georgia for absolute confirmation. The results will be known tomorrow.

This flu has a very short incubation period, one to three days, and in the United States has thus far been mild. In Mexico it is much more serious and 68 people have been confirmed fatalities. No one knows why it seems to be more mild here. They also do not know if it will continue to be mild or if it will gain in severity or even reduce in severity.

To see the news conference for yourself go to: http://www.necn.com/Boston/Health/2009/04/25/NYC-officials-8-students/1240692004.html

One more note…NO you cannot get the swine flu by eating pork

April 25 4:30pm PDT

U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
State	# of laboratory confirmed cases
California	7 cases
Texas	2 cases
Kansas	2 cases
TOTAL COUNT	11 cases
International Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection See: World Health Organization
As of April 25th, 2009 7:30 p.m. EDT

One Response to “Swine Flu…Updates”

1. Peter Frey says:

   April 25, 2009 at 10:16 pm

   I have a free PDF that shows you research based approaches to protecting you and your family from the swine flu. Don’t take this lightly – especially if you are between 20-45 as that is the group most as risk for severe symptoms including death.
   My website it http://www.keepyfamilysafe.com

   Peter