Published: April 27, 2009 10:21 pm      

Nurse offers tips on virus

Although a public health emergency has been declared in the United States, no cases of swine flu had been confirmed in West Virginia Monday, local health care workers said.

Nancy Ward, infection control nurse at Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley, advised West Virginians to stay calm and offered a list of practical ways local people can help stop the spread of the virus.

“There’s no reason to panic. But there is reason to be alert.”

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano declared the health emergency Sunday to allow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to respond to the threat of a swine flu pandemic in the United States, according to the CDC Web site.

The CDC will be focused on reducing the transmission and severity of the illness and will provide information for health care providers, officials and the public.

Dr. Richard Besser, acting head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said that Americans should be prepared for the problem to become more severe, and that it could involve "possibly deaths," according to Bloomberg News.

The virus is believed to have originated in Mexico, where 149 deaths had been attributed to swine flu Monday.

The only case outside of North America was reported in Spain Monday, and the European Union health commissioner urged Europeans to delay nonessential travel to Mexico and parts of the United States affected by swine flu.

The virus is transmitted from person to person and can be deadly, both of which could lead to a flu pandemic.

Forty cases of swine flu had been confirmed in the United States Monday, in California (7 cases), New York City (28), Ohio (1), Texas (2) and Kansas (2).

None of those cases had resulted in death, according to the CDC Web site.

“In the U.S., most of these have been very mild, benign cases,” said Ward. “They respond very well to our anti-viral drugs that (are prescribed) when people get sick with the flu.”

At this time, Ward added, there is no vaccine for swine flu.

The CDC Division of the Strategic National Stockpile released one-fourth of its antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment and respiratory protection devices Monday to help states respond to the outbreak.

Laboratory testing has found that swine influenza A (H 1 N1) has responded to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir, according to the CDC Web site.

Ward said swine flu has ushered in a new flu season, and more people will be contracting the flu.

“We’re now in the very early stages of this flu epidemic,” said Ward. “But the control of this is in our hands right now.

“We’re early on, and it doesn’t have to become a major, threatening, health issue for the United States.”

The simplest way to stop a flu pandemic is for those who have the virus to isolate themselves while ill, said Ward.

“If you’re sick, stay home,” she advised. “Don’t go to school, don’t go to work, don’t go to the mall.”

Ward also advised frequent hand washing.

Swine flu presents with more vomiting and diarrhea than other influenza strains, so those who have it must get plenty of liquids and seek medical attention if they suspect dehydration.

For those who suspect they may have the flu, Ward said, a check-up by the family physician and recovery at home is better for the public safety than a stay at a hospital.

“Stay away from the hospital unless you feel like you can’t treat the symptoms at home,” she said. “But coming to the hospital only exposes more people.

“You may want to contact your doctor before coming to the hospital, because your doctor can prescribe the antivirals done in the hospital.”

Young children and elderly people are among those who are especially susceptible to swine flu.

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

Children who have a fever, rash, vomiting or diarrhea or those who are coughing or sneezing should be taken for a check-up.

— E-mail:

jfarrish@register-herald.com