Flu information

Here is some info from OIrange County, please be careful..... DaveSwine Influenza
Orange County Update

Recent news reports on a swine flu epidemic might have many Orange County residents wondering how serious is the situation in Central Florida and “Am I at-risk?” No need to panic! Currently, no cases have been identified in Florida. However, some cases of swine flu have been confirmed in the U.S., according to the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food and a person cannot get swine influenza from eating pork products.
The Florida Department of Health and Orange County Government have contingency response plans in place for threats of this nature and these plans have been activated as a precaution.

Some Key Points to Consider:
This is an influenza virus (flu virus) that can live for several hours on surfaces, like door knobs, if touched by someone with the virus.
In general flu virus’ are transmitted by uncovered coughs or sneezes and with close or prolonged contact with someone who has the virus.
People with a respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community and limit contact within the household to avoid infecting family members.
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. Use of alcohol based hand sanitizers is effective.
Do not share drinking glasses or eating utensils
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Eat well and get enough rest to stay healthy and keep your immune system strong.
People experiencing cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their physician.

What to do if you have any symptoms:
If you think you have influenza, please call your health care provider and discuss whether you need to be seen in their office or emergency department or stay home.
Urgent Care centers and your physician’s office may have the "Influenza Test". It is a simple nasal swab test that takes just a few minutes to determine whether you have the Influenza virus causing your symptoms.

Treatment:
Important - you need to be treated within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms for the medicine to work!
If you do have the Swine Flu – Your health care provider will treat you with an Anti-Viral medication which will help reduce the number of days you're sick and reduce the severity of illness.
The medications Tamiflu or Relenza can be used in the treatment of the Swine Flu, but only if you are diagnosed with the disease.
According to Dr. Marc Siegel, from the University of Langone and author of “Bird flu: Everything you need to know About the Next Pandemic,” there is no recommendation for use of antiviral drugs if you are not sick. Overuse can help germs become resistant to them.

Orange County is receiving frequent updates from the CDC, and is working with the local health department to monitor the situation and immediately follow up on any suspected cases. Also, posted to the county’s website under “Citizen’s Safety” is more detailed information on influenza: www.orangecountyfl.net/cms/SAFETY/avianflu
Information is also accessible from the CDC’s website: www.cdc.gov/swineflu

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