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Swine flu: how to avoid getting sick
Updated: Monday, 27 Apr 2009, 10:18 AM CDT
Published : Monday, 27 Apr 2009, 9:31 AM CDT
MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. - Although no human cases of swine influenza virus are known to have occurred in Alabama at this time, Dr. Bernard Eichold, Mobile County Health Officer, said that is no reason not to take proper steps to avoid the potentially fatal illness.
"It is likely that swine flu cases will occur in Alabama since there are already cases in various states and they do not appear to be linked to each other," he said.
Eichold said people should take the following steps to reduce their chances of contracting swine flu:
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a sleeve or tissue.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose with your hands.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them. Patients experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, should seek health care and treatment.
Eichold said that swine influenza cannot be transmitted from eating pork or pork products that are properly prepared. The symptoms of swine flu in people appear to be similar to the symptoms of regular human influenza and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. As with seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
For updated information about swine flu, visit www.mobilecountyhealth.org.
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