H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) (last update: 06/12/09)
For more
information, refer to:
the CDC website
On June 11, 2009, the
World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to
Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A
(H1N1) virus. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is
underway.
More than 70 countries are now reporting cases of human
infection with novel H1N1 flu. This number has been increasing over the past few
weeks, but many of the cases reportedly had links to travel or were localized
outbreaks without community spread. The WHO designation of a pandemic alert
Phase 6 reflects the fact that there are now ongoing community level outbreaks
in multiple parts of world.
WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase
6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused
by the virus.
However, because novel H1N1 is a new virus, many people may
have little or no immunity against it, and illness may be more severe and
widespread as a result. In addition, currently there is no vaccine to protect
against novel H1N1 virus.
In the United States, most people who have become ill with the newly declared
pandemic virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment, however, CDC
anticipates that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths
associated with this pandemic in the coming days and weeks. In addition, this
virus could cause significant illness with associated hospitalizations and
deaths in the fall and winter during the U.S. influenza season.
Vaccines are a very important part of a response to pandemic influenza and
the U.S. Government is aggressively taking early steps in the process to
manufacture a novel H1N1 vaccine, working closely with manufacturers. CDC has
isolated the new H1N1 virus, made a candidate vaccine virus that can be used to
create vaccine, and has provided this virus to industry so they can begin
scaling up for production of a vaccine, if necessary. Making vaccine is a long
multi-step process requiring several months to complete.
From the CDC:
From the American Academy of Pediatrics:
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There
are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause
respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your
health:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw
the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or
sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from
work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or
sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do
not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when
coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put
your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not
have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
Information for new parents
Washington Hospital offers a variety of
Childbirth and Parenting classes, covering topics such as:
- Becoming new parents
- Helping siblings prepare for the arrival of a new baby
- Breastfeeding support services
- Infant/Child CPR
- Infant massage
- Childbirth preparation
- Prenatal exercise
- And more!
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