Swine flu; worrisome for many
April 27, 2009
St. Charles County, MO
by Kris Kolk
As news about swine flu spread quickly this weekend, many grow concerned. As of this writing, the virus had claimed the lives of more than 80 people in Mexico.
There have been 20 cases reported in the United States, the closest to St. Charles County being two cases in central Kansas.
“We’ve been planning for things like this for years,” said Cameron Satterfield, of the St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment.
In fact, swine flu patients in the United States have recovered, just like they would with ordinary flu, Satterfield assured. However, authorities are not sure why some patients in Mexico haven’t fared so well.
Satterfield said that the St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment initiated a response plan this weekend, as if the swine flu is here; and as if they are responding to an actual pandemic. Surveillance at hospitals and clinics has increased--on alert for flu cases. County health officials are also currently interfacing with the state health department and the CDC (Center for Disease Control).
Symptoms of swine flu include: coughing, sneezing, body ache and fatigue, sore throat and chills. Some people have reported nausea and diarrhea, but those are not common symptoms.
For those who think they may have swine flu, Satterfield advises residents to “stay home if you’re sick.” Get to a doctor or hospital if you have breathing trouble, a fever with a rash, confusion or if symptoms get much worse.
How can allergy sufferers tell the difference between swine flu and seasonal allergies? Satterfield stated that a doctor would have to make that call, but he said this flu virus “really runs you down.”
Photos from Mexico show citizens wearing masks as a precaution against the virus. Satterfield stated that the county health department is not recommending masks at this point. However, wearing a mask may provide peace of mind for some individuals.
Avoid catching the swine flu by washing hands often, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing and avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth.
In the United States, this strain has “resembled mild to moderate seasonal flu,” said Satterfield.
“If anything changes, we’ll let everyone know,” he said.
Copyright 2009 Neighbors About Town
