The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is reporting seven new cases of a heretofore unseen variety of swine influenza A virus infection, or swine flu. The victims all range in age from 9 years to 54 years old, and are an even ration of males to females. Five of the victims are in California, and the other two are in Texas. So far, none of the victims appear to have had contact with pigs, which is the primary vector for transmission of the virus.
Indeed, CDC researchers are concerned about the virus’s spread between humans, though previous outbreaks have had the same transmission vectors, and have dissipated on their own. Typical swine flu symptoms resemble those of ordinary flu: fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, headache, chills, fatigue, and shortness of breath, though not every case will display all of these.
What can you do to prevent your child — or yourself — from contracting swine flu? The CDC has not banned the visitation of zoos as of yet, but more important is the reminder to always wash your hands after being outdoors. If you or your child do begin to show symptoms of any kind of flu, the usual remedies apply: plenty of rest and regular consumption of fluids. If flu symptoms persist after 5 to 7 days, visit your family physician.
Perhaps more important, however, is not to let fear of infection prevent you or your child from enjoying outside activities. Due to the ease of infection and transmission, there is little you can do to prevent catching the flu, and you can’t tell at a glance who might already have it. So just remember to keep healthy by eating properly and getting enough sleep.
Comments
No comments.