Swine Flu – Colorado Health Alert

April 28th, 2009 – This past weekend, the United States declared a public health emergency in response to the recent reports of swine flu. Richard Besser, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in Atlanta: “I fully expect we will see deaths from this infection. While the Swine Flu has not been detected in Colorado yet officials say it is only a matter of time.

The best precautions are to avoid people with upper respiratory illnesses and frequent hand washing.  The incubation period for the flu is 5 days, so if travelers to Mexico have been back and illness free for 5 days, they should be fine to interact with. Some officials are advising keeping a 2 week supply of food, water and other supplies at home in case of widespread outbreak.

Swine flu is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease generally found in pigs. Although humans don’t normally get the disease, the current strain of the virus is contagious, and human infections can occur, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Swine flu symptoms are very similar to seasonal flu and generally include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite and coughing, although some people also develop a runny nose, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Individuals should use reasonable precautions if they suspect they may have been in contact with swine flu and contact their primary physician for specific advice.

To learn more about the Swine Flue please visit the CDC’s web site to review Key Facts.

There have not been any confirmed cased of the Swine Flu in Colorado as of April 28th, 2009.