RSS
Home
Swine flu prompts WHO to issue pandemic alert at Phase 4: what does that mean for your family?
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
.jpg)
Sick little piggies
The World Health Organization raised the pandemic alert for the swine flu to 4. This means that the outbreaks are being caused by human-to-human transmission, and the swine flu is extremely contagious. WHO was careful to explain that while this does not mean a pandemic is inevitable.
At this point, the swine flu has hit several countries across the globe. Mexico has been the hardest hit, with over 140 dead from it and nearly 2,000 ill. The United States has had 40 confirmed cases of the swine flu in California, New York, Texas, Kansas, and Ohio. There have been no casualties in the US thus far.
What is a pandemic?
So what does it mean, all this stuff about pandemics? It sounds pretty scary, especially since the public is being hit hard and fast with various information. The important thing right now is to remain calm and look at the facts about swine flu. You'll probably feel a lot better once you have a firm grasp on what the swine flu is.
A pandemic is "a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new virus appears or “emerges” in the human population, causes serious illness, and then spreads easily from person to person worldwide." Unlike a regular influenza, this strain is affecting seemingly healthy individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. That is highly unusual and cause for concern.
What does Level 4 mean then?
The WHO website states that Phase 4 "is characterized by verified human-to-human transmission of an animal or human-animal influenza reassortant virus able to cause “community-level outbreaks.” The ability to cause sustained disease outbreaks in a community marks a significant upwards shift in the risk for a pandemic. Any country that suspects or has verified such an event should urgently consult with WHO so that the situation can be jointly assessed and a decision made by the affected country if implementation of a rapid pandemic containment operation is warranted. Phase 4 indicates a significant increase in risk of a pandemic but does not necessarily mean that a pandemic is a forgone conclusion."
The WHO website also states that "While most countries will not be affected at this stage, the declaration of phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short." Phase 5 is the "human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one region."
What can I do?
Prevention is key, although WHO has stated that containment at this point is impossible because the swine flu is so widespread. If you aren't feeling well and have symptoms of the swine flu, such as coughing, sneezing, fever, lack of appetite, and in some cases, you might experience vomiting or diarrhea. A blood sample must be taken to officially diagnose swine flu.
Plain and simple: if you or someone in your family is sick - stay home. Go to the doctor if you have difficulty breathing or are extremely ill, but if your symptoms are mild then stay home. Wash your hands frequently and be sure to wash the hands of young children frequently as well. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
Is it time to panic?
Nope. Just be aware of what is going on, keep tabs on where swine cases are being confirmed, and follow basic prevention tips. President Obama said that it's fine to be concerned but "there's not yet cause for alarm." US officials are taking extra precautions at borders and with returning travelers, as are other countries across the world. As health officials keep saying, "be vigilant." Just don't go overboard!
Sources: MSNBC, WHO
Related swine flu content:
Swine flu prevention tips - keep your family safe
Swine flu fears: before you panic, learn more about it
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
