Stokes Family Health Center 

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North Carolina Public Health Officials Monitor

 Swine Flu in Texas and California

 

                                                                                                           

RALEIGH – Public Health leaders in North Carolina along with other states across the country are monitoring the Swine Influenza infection cases in Texas and California. While no cases of Swine Flu have been reported in North Carolina or anywhere in the eastern half of the country, state public health officials are asking North Carolina residents to remain aware of events as they develop and to follow the same precautions they take during any flu season.

 

“We want North Carolinians to know that we are actively participating in CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) efforts to detect the disease and are coordinating with doctors and health providers across the state,” State Health Director Jeff Engel said.  “As with all flu events, people should cover their mouths and noses when sneezing or coughing, avoid close contact with people who are sick and wash hands often.”

 

People who have recently traveled to southern California, Texas or Mexico and develop flu-like symptoms should contact their health provider and inform them of their travel to those areas.

 

As of Sunday, the CDC confirmed forty cases of swine influenza infection in humans with no cases currently in North Carolina.

 

North Carolina public health officials began coordinating with regional responders and local health departments on Friday April 24, to ensure information and updates are communicated to local health providers.   All providers are being asked to question patients who report having influenza-like illness about any recent travel.  State health providers participating in the national Influenza Sentinel Provider Network are also being asked to submit viral cultures from all patients presenting symptoms of influenza-like illness.

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu virus can be transmitted from pigs to humans through contact with live pigs, and cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses have been documented. 

The symptoms of the swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of season flu in humans and may include:

· Fever (greater than 100*F or 37.8*C)

· Sore throat

· Chills

· Stuffy nose

· Cough

· Headache and body aches

· Fatigue

Also, some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the swine flu.  Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with the swine flu infection in people.  Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

To prevent the spread of swine flu:

· Avoid contact with ill persons

· When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or you sleeve (if you don’t have a tissue).  Throw used tissues in the trash can.

· After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand gel.

· If you think you are ill with flu, avoid close contact with others as much as possible.  Stay at home or in your hotel room.  Seek medical care if you are severely ill (such as having trouble breathing).  There are antiviral medications for prevention and treatment of swine flu that a doctor can prescribe.  Don’t go to school, work or travel while ill. 

For more information about influenza prevention efforts in North Carolina please visit www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/gcdc/flu.html.  For more information about the on-going Swine flu event nationally please visit www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/index.htm. Also, for more information you can call 1-800-662-7030 or contact Sarah Tucker at the Stokes Family Health Center at (336)593-2400.