From the CEO: Update on Swine Flu

Carol Wood, R.N., CEO

CDC Swine Flu website last updated April 27, 2009 1:00 PM ET

Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in the United States. Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection also have been identified internationally. The current U.S. case count is provided below.

U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection (As of April 27, 2009 1:00 PM ET)
State	# of laboratory confirmed cases
California	7 cases
Kansas	2 cases
New York City	28 cases
Ohio	1 case
Texas	2 cases
TOTAL COUNT	40
International Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection See:  World Health Organization

An investigation and response effort surrounding the outbreak of swine flu is ongoing. 

CDC is working very closely with officials in states where human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) have been identified, as well as with health officials in Mexico, Canada and the World Health Organization. This includes deploying staff domestically and internationally to provide guidance and technical support.

CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the agency's response to this emerging health threat and yesterday the Secretary of the Department Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, declared a public health emergency in the United States. This will allow funds to be released to support the public health response. CDC's goals during this public health emergency are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to assist health care providers, public health officials and the public in addressing the challenges posed by this newly identified influenza virus. 

To this end, CDC has issued a number of interim guidance documents in the past 24 hours. In addition, CDC's Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is releasing one-quarter of its antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to help states respond to the outbreak. Laboratory testing has found the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available.

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. 

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. 

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. 

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. 

If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

The CDC will continue to update its Website:  www.cdc.gov/flu/swine and is answering questions via telephone at 800-CDC-INFO.

* The above was taken from the CDC website for your information. 

ASK THE DOCTOR - Pneumonia Vaccine

My doctor told me that I should get a pneumonia shot, what is that and is it the same as the flu shot?

Viral pneumonia is a serious complication of Influenza (the flu). Taking the flu shot each season will help protect you from the most common flu strains for that year.

The adult pneumonia shot, Pneumovax, is different from the flu shot. It protects against 23 strains of pneumococcal bacteria. These bacteria commonly cause pneumonia, which can be life threatening in older adults. The bacteria can also cause serious infections in the blood, spinal cord and brain which life are threatening as well.
The vaccine does not prevent every type of pneumonia, but it's very effective at protecting people from these more dangerous pneumococcal diseases. The pneumococcal vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective at preventing illness for up to 10 years. Side effects include pain or redness at the injection site, fever and muscle aches. A booster is recommended after 10 years.
The shot is covered by Medicare and recommended for all patients over 65. The vaccine protects against 88 percent of the pneumococcal bacteria that cause pneumonia. No shot can protect you against all types of pneumonias but pneumococcal pneumonias are the leading cause of vaccine preventable deaths in the US. Just think - here is a great New Year’s resolution that Uncle Sam will even pick up the tab for.

If you would like to submit a question please contact Jennifer Trebler at jtrebler@ramonavna.org.