Influenza--info

Swine Flu Prevention
Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Facemasks and N95 Respirators may help

According to the US FDA, Facemasks and N95 respirators are devices may help prevent the spread of germs (viruses and bacteria) from one person to another. These devices are one part of an infection-control strategy that should also include washing your hands frequently and social distancing such as canceling events and closing buildings or restricting access to certain sites or buildings.

Please note that according to the FDA website linked above, N95 respirators are not designed for children or people with facial hair. Proper fit cannot be achieved on children and people with facial hair, resulting in a chance that the N95 respirator may not provide full protection. People who have chronic respiratory, cardiac, or other medical conditions that make it difficult to breathe should check with their doctor before using an N95 respirator. The N95 respirator can require more effort to breathe. Some models have exhalation valves that can make breathing out easier and help reduce heat build-up.

ALL FDA-cleared N95 respirators are labeled as “single use”, disposable devices. If using a respirator andit becomes damaged or soiled, or if you encounter difficulty breathing, you should remove and discard of the respirator and replace it with a new one. To safely discard your N95 respirator, place it in a plastic bag and put it in the trash. Be sure to wash your hands after handling the used respirator.

Tips on how to talk to your kids about swine flu

Your kids will undoubtedly ask questions about germs and flu in general and possibly even about swine flu. Its best to let your kids know about the dangers of germs. As you have most likely done before, you’ll want to explain to kids that germs can make us sick, and that’s why it’s important to wash your hands. I like to tell my kids that, “Soap and water rinse away the germs so they can’t make us feel bad.” and then show them the best way to go about washing their hands. Here are some tips for
Getting your kids to wash their hands.
Washing your hands regularly is a great swine flu preventative measure. We know that, our kids know that, but it isn’t always easy to get them to follow through with it. Simply by washing our hands regularly, we can help prevent the spread of swine flu and many other germs and diseases. So, how do you get your kids to wash their hands regularly without whining about it? Here are some tips that might help:

Washing your hands can help prevent the spread of swine flu

• It’s best to soap up for 20 seconds or more. A good way to ensure your kids do this is have them sing a quick little song like “Happy Birthday” twice.
• Be a good example for your kids and lather up! In the process, encourage your kids to teach their dolls to do the same.
• Make sure your kids can reach the sink easily. I know at first, my little guy had some problems with that, a step stool in the bathroom really helped.
• This is common sense, but sometimes we simply forget. Keep your kid’s fingernails clipped. Smaller nail means less hiding places for those nasty swine flu germs.
• Remember to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer readily available.
• Another great idea is to carry a pack of sanitizing hand wipes in your purse, so that you have them readily available while you are out and about.

If your kids have heard about swine flu in particular, the best thing to do is project an image of calm (even if you are anything buy calm on the inside) and make sure they feel safe. Small kids should be soothed with a simple explanation that there are different kinds of flu. Use their questions and concerns about it as a way of encouraging them to make sure they keep their hands clean. Older kids may be scared but hide it. You should give them a few more details but still reassure them that you are on top of things and that our health officials know what they are doing.

Swine Flu Signs, Symptoms and Action

Indicators of 2009 H1N1 or swine flu are not unlike those for regular old run-of-the-mill flu. What makes the swine flu virus different from typical flu is that more serious complications, such as pneumonia, might occur more often. Swine flu is also a new strain of flu, and no one in the population would be expected to be immune since it has never been encountered before.

During an outbreak such as this, one of the biggest concerns for officials is simply that a lot of people could get sick at the same time. This could put a terrible strain on the medical system in the country where it is happening. One thing is certain though, our government health officials are doing everything they can to make sure the country is prepared. The best thing to do in the mean time is learn the signs to watch out for. If you or your child are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should call your doctor as soon as possible. He or she may want you to come in and be tested. Here are the symptoms you should look out for:

• Fever. You should watch for a fever above 100.4 for babies 3 months and younger, and 101.1 for everyone else.
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Intense body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue

There have also been reports by some people that they have diarrhea and vomiting, too.

Pregnant women and small children are at extra risk. Pregnant women face extra risk for complication even with regular flu and should be more careful during the swine flu outbreak. Small children have a higher rate of hospitalization. Moms with children under 2 years old should be extra careful about taking action quickly.

If you or your child experiences the following symptoms, you should consider a trip to the ER

If you notice that your child is demonstrating any of the following symptoms, it’s time to seek emergency care:

• Fast or troubled breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Refusal to drink fluids
• Difficulty waking up and/or interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash, especially one that does not blanch

In adults, the following symptoms deserve an ER trip as well:

• If you experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Abdominal pain
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion

Swine Flu Prevention Measures

Preventing the spread of germs is something we all know how to do. We learn it early on in school and practice it throughout our lives. Even so, in an outbreak such as the current swine flu outbreak, it can’t hurt to be somewhat more vigilant in trying to prevent the spread of the germs that cause 2009 H1N1 better known as swine flu. We have included a list of simple thing you can do to help prevent the spread of germs, starting today.

First we will start with preventative measure you can take at home:

• The first and foremost is basic common sense. But, it can’t be stressed enough. Wash your hands frequently, and make sure your kids wash their hands too. You want to be sure to make a habit out of washing your hands as soon as you walk in the door, before meals and food prep, after bathroom breaks and after touching pets.
• Make sure to take the time to clean the places germs like to hang out. They include tables, doorknobs, desks and kitchen counters. Be sure to clean with a disinfecting cleaner. Look for products that contain bleach or alcohol. Disinfectant cleaners will help to ensure the surfaces of your home are clean and germ free
• Be sure to help your family keep their immune system strong with regular sleep, and lots of fruits and veggies. If you know someone who’s been sick, stay away for now in order to not help the swine flu germs spread to new uninfected hosts. You.

Here are some swine flu preventive measures for when you and your family are out and about:

• Ensuring your kids are active is a great way to keep them healthy. One of the best ways to do that is frequent visits to the playground. Unfortunately, playground equipment can be a breeding ground for nasty germs. Be sure to have your kids washt heir hands frequently.
• In the event that a sink is not available, keep plenty of hand wipes or hand sanitizer in your purse, in your car, or in your pocket.
• Try to avoid crowded areas that are closed in. Germs spread easily and the less open space around you, the easier they are going to spread from person to person.
• Absolutely be sure to wash your hands or use sanitizer after handling money. Germs and bacteria are all over our money. While we can’t generally avoid handling it, be sure to wash those hands after doing so.
• Keep a pen handy to use when you are signing credit card slips. For the electronic signature, try and use your finger, if it doesn’t work, use the pen provided, but be sure to wash your hands afterwards.
• Flu masks can help if you are already sick. Do your best not to go out. If you have to go out, do your best to prevent the spread of germs by covering up when you sneeze or cough and keeping your hands clean as well as trying to stay away from large crowds. Wearing a flu mask might also help to prevent your germs from reaching others.

General preventive tips that will help you avoid getting and spreading germs and the swine flu:

• Don’t use your hands to cover up when you cough. Use your elbow or sleeve instead. If your kids haven’t already learned this in school, teach it to them today! We touch everything and when we sneeze or cough into our hands, so do our germs.
• This seems like a given. But we all do it. Don’t stuff those used tissues into your pocket. Toss them in the trash instead.
• Do your best to keep from touching your eyes, nose and mouth. These are the easiest spots for germs to get a foothold and make you sick.
• Remind your kids not to share cups, utensils and plates with their friends. It’s just not a good, healthy practice.

Posted byGOWTAM.... at 10:39 AM  

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