In late April, human cases of the swine flu virus (H1N1) were identified in North America. Cases have since been reported in Europe, Latin America, and other regions. On Friday, May 1, Asia reported its first case, in Hong Kong. Closer to home, officials with the Alabama Department of Public Health announced four confirmed cases in our state.



A flu pandemic is the sudden outbreak of a specific influenza virus in human populations around the world. Serious illness or fatalities occur because people have little or no immunity to the new, unprecedented viral strain. Since no vaccine is immediately available, the H1N1 virus can spread easily and quickly from one person to another.



An integral part of the Red Cross mission is to help people learn to prepare for and prevent life-threatening emergencies. Public health emergencies are no exception. For more than 100 years, the Red Cross has responded to countless public health threats, including the influenza pandemic of 1918.



The Red Cross is constantly monitoring the development of the swine flu virus by maintaining close contact with federal and state officials, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Homeland Security and other national and international organizations.



The Red Cross urges you to protect yourself and your loved ones by practicing the following “good health” measures to prevent further spread of the virus:



Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid or minimize contact with sick people. If contact cannot be avoided, a minimum three-foot distance from the afflicted person is strongly recommended.

Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

Cover your mouth and nose with tissues if you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow. The number of people today who cough openly in public without covering their mouths is astonishing.

If you become sick, please make every effort to stay away from others.

Encourage your employees or students to stay home when sick.

Get a flu shot every year unless otherwise directed by your physician. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent or minimize illness or death.



Make sure you know the common flu symptoms. Here are some typical indicators:



High fever

Severe body aches

Headache

Extreme tiredness or lethargy

Sore throat

Cough

Runny or stuffy nose



NOTE: Even if you experience the above symptoms, you do not necessarily have the flu, as similar symptoms can be produced by many different illnesses. Please consult a physician promptly whenever you experience any unusual symptoms. It is never advisable to attempt to diagnose yourself.



Pandemic flu is more serious than seasonal flu. Most people who contract seasonal flu recover within a week or two and do not require medical treatment. The very young, the elderly, and the very sick are most likely to become seriously ill from seasonal flu. Pandemic flu is different because more people who become afflicted with it might not recover, even with medical treatment, and people of all ages may be at risk of serious illness or death.



Since human instances of the swine flu are rapidly evolving, news about the virus changes each day. The Red Cross encourages you to stay informed. To review daily updates regarding the swine flu virus, visit www.redcross.org.