School districts across California are working at a feverish pace to decide what, if anything, should be done in response to the recent announcement of the Swine Flu. The Swine Flu, also known as influenza A (H1N1), originated in Mexico and was first reported late last week by the Center for Disease Control. To date, there have been 40 confirmed cases of this flu in the United States, 7 in California.
So far, officials stress that the Swine Flu is treatable for the majority of people. Although there have been reported fatalities, all of which involved extensive lung damage, the Swine Flu is said to be treatable. The latest report confirms the deaths of 149 people in Mexico from this outbreak.
Symptoms of the Swine Flu are similar to the regular flu, health officials say, including aching muscles, fever and fatigue. This flu is a respiratory virus, which is rare for this time of year in areas that are warm such as Mexico and California.
As to whether we are looking at a pandemic, officials are not convinced but are making sure that all options for treatment and prevention are explored.
Many schools could be impacted by the announcement of this flu outbreak. School districts are currently seeking the advice of the Los Angeles County Health Services for proper parent and student protocol.
Kathy Barry, Palos Verdes Peninsula School District's health nurse, has been briefed and is currently awaiting a decision from the school district and the LA County Health Services with respect to making a formal announcement about this flu to parents. Indeed there have been many calls from concerned parents wanting to know if the school district is prepared for this flu outbreak, which will also shortly be addressed.
According to health care professionals, early detection is the key in battling the spread of any disease. Anyone with symptoms should go to their physician for a nose swab to determine the strain of flu.
Health care professionals recommend that parents immediately report to their schools of any positive results and diagnosis of the Swine Flu. Physicians are already required to report confirmed cases to the LA County Health Services, however, a proactive approach of notification can make a big difference in a community.
Because schools are particularly susceptible to the spread of germs, as children may be in close contact, proper hygiene is essential. This strain of flu is commonly spread from pig-to-human, but human-to-human transmission of Swine Flu can also occur. According to the LA County of Health Services, the spread is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly human-to-human transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. Therefore, avoiding someone with symptoms, washing hands frequently and refraining from touching your mouth and eyes, are some ways to help prevent the spread from human contact.
As early as a year ago, schools in California had prepared for the possibility of an outbreak from Avian Flu, which preparedness included a scenario involving limited quarantine.
Today, Governor Schwarzenegger assigned a team to Southern California to investigate the threat of the Swine Flu to California citizens.
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