FW: *** Important Information on Swine Flu***

[Evans F. Mitchell KD4EFM]

informational bulletin
 

Evans F. Mitchell
KD4EFM / AFA4TH FL / WQFK-894

 Fla. D-Star Tech Support Group
 http://www.florida-dstar.info <http://www.florida-dstar.info/> 

Polk ARES A.E.C.
http://www.polkemcomm.org <http://www.polkemcomm.org/> 


 

  _____  

From: William D. Abernathy [mailto:billyabernathy at polkfl.com] 
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 1:39 PM
Subject: *** Important Information on Swine Flu***



According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases of swine
flu have been confirmed in the United States (California, Kansas, New York
City, Ohio, and Texas).  All cases reported in the U.S. have had mild
influenza-like illness with only one requiring brief hospitalization.  No
cases have been identified in Florida at this time.   

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus
that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs.  

The Polk County Health Department is proactively working with area hospitals
and doctors to enhance surveillance and monitor efforts for influenza across
the county.  

Swine flu viruses are not transmitted by food and a person cannot get swine
flu from eating pork products.  The infections appear to spread from person
to person.  

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular
human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache,
chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting
associated with swine flu. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a
worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. 

If taken within the first 2 days of feeling sick, antiviral drugs can reduce
the consequences of contracting the flu, and should only be used in
confirmed cases.  The flu virus may become resistant to treatment if
antivirals are overused or taken when not needed. 

The Polk County Health Department provides the following recommendations: 

*	As always, people with respiratory illness should stay home from
work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza, to others
in the community. 

*	Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear
ill. 

*	Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. 

*	Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness. 

*	People experiencing cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with
diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their physician. 

 

If you think you have influenza, please call your health care provider and
discuss whether you need to be seen in their office, the emergency room, or
stay home.

This is a rapidly evolving situation and the Polk County Health Department
will provide new information as it becomes available.

Please visit the CDC website for regular updates:
<http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/> http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ 

 

 

Billy Abernathy, FPEM

Polk County Emergency Management

EOC Coordinator

Office  863-519-7478 

Pager  863-501-0170

Fax  863-519-7485

Email   <mailto:williamabernathy at polkfl.com> williamabernathy at polkfl.com

"You may not be able to control the situation, but you can always control
your reaction."

 

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