Swine flu: How concerned should you be?

Apr 27, 2009 10:05 PM

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed more cases of swine flu in the U.S., including in New York, Ohio, Kansas, as well as the previously reported cases in California, and Texas. So far, most cases in the U.S. have been mild, and unlike those in Mexico, there have been no deaths from the cases reported in the U.S. Cases of swine flu have also been reported in Canada, in British Columbia and Nova Scotia, as well as in other countries. In Mexico, schools were closed nationwide as the deaths from suspected swine flu rose to 149, the Associated Press reports.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security declared a state of emergency, which allows the government to tap into reserves of antiviral drugs and other supplies. But that doesn¹t mean that an epidemic, or sudden wide spreading of the disease, is imminent. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano likened the state of emergency as one that comes before a hurricane. "It means we can release funds and take other measures. The hurricane may not actually hit," she said. The CDC said today that the situation is developing rapidly, and that there will certainly be more cases, but to what degree remains unknown.

Consumer Report's medical advisers stress the importance of understanding and preparing for a possible outbreak, while remaining calm and heeding the guidance of local health officials. Remember that authorities are preparing for the worst-case scenarios, and implementing measures taken in response to SARS and bird-flu outbreaks around the world earlier this decade.

But what steps should consumers take, and how concerned should you be? Here's what we think makes sense now, for people in various situations.

Precautions for everyone
Basic hygiene steps can go a long way in preventing infection from any type of flu and they apply with swine flu too. This advice may sound overly simple, but they are proven to reduce your chance of contracting any flu virus:

Wash your hands often with soap and hot water, especially after sneezing, coughing, or close contact with an infected person. Alcohol-based hand soaps, like Purell, can also help when soap and water aren't an option.
If you feel the need to sneeze or cough, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue and dispose of it afterward.
Avoid close contact with sick people.
If you become sick, stay home from work or school and limit your contact with others.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, to prevent the spread of germs.

If no cases have been reported in your area
You're not likely to encounter the virus, but reporting of outbreaks can lag behind the actual spread of the virus, so preventative hygiene, as always, is your best first defense. There is probably no reason to take any further precautions.

If your state or county has been declared a public health emergency
When a state or local government declares a public health emergency, it does so to access funds and resources that may not otherwise be available, and to prepare for a worst-case scenario. It doesn't necessarily mean that widespread infection is imminent. Find out what precautions health officials recommend in your community.

If there have been cases reported in your immediate area
If an outbreak has been reported in your city or county, make sure to step up preventative hygiene, and keep track of your local health advisories. Avoid close contact, generally 6 feet or less, with people who are ill. You may also consider avoiding large gatherings and public events.

If you experience flu-like symptoms
Flu symptoms include sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and body aches, fatigue, and especially a fever over 100 degrees. Contact your health-care provider and see if testing or treatment is necessary. If you are sick, stay home. With any flu, the best course is to stay home from work or school, and avoid as much contact with other people as possible, to avoid spreading the virus.

If you're in a high risk group for flu complications
Risk groups include the very young, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases, or compromised immune systems. These populations should take precautions for any flu, and remember, the seasonal flu is still active in many places. Take preventative hygiene seriously, and if an outbreak is reported in your area, take additional precautions. It may be best for these populations to avoid unnecessary exposure to public gatherings, and other exposures.

If you¹ve traveled to areas where cases have been reported
If you have traveled to any of the places where the swine flu has been reported, especially parts of Mexico where it appears to be widespread, and you experience flu-like symptoms, contact your healthcare provider, to see if you should be tested or treated.

If you have plans to travel by airplane
The L.A. Times' travel blog reports that American Airlines, Continental, Delta, and U.S. Airways, have all relaxed their cancellation policies in the wake of the swine flu outbreak in Mexico. For more travel information, check the CDC's traveler's health website, as well as those from the State Department, and the World Health Organization, if you are concerned.

The situation can change rapidly, but you can keep tabs on the latest from the CDC.