On swine flu, Oklahoma is ‘ready to respond’

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• Get updated information about swine flu and prevention tips in "know it: Flu, pneumonia & allergies.” knowit.newsok.com/flu

Tips to staying healthy and avoid spreading illness

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the tissue.

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

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others.

What is swine flu?

Swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by type-A influenza viruses, which are blamed for regular outbreaks in pigs. Swine flu viruses can spread from person to person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The symptoms are similar to regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may worsen other medical conditions.

How does swine flu spread?

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Sometimes, people may become infected by touching something with flu virus particles on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends oseltamivir or zanamivir for treatment or prevention of infection with these swine flu viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that fight the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. They work best if started within two days of symptoms.

When should I seek emergency medical care?

In children, warning signs include trouble breathing, bluish skin color, not drinking enough fluids, not waking up, not interacting, irritability and fever with a rash. In adults, emergency warning signs also include pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion and severe or persistent vomiting.