What do you think about the Swine Flu?

[Crankin]

The case (actually there are 2) in Bedford, MA has been confirmed. Both are kids and they are recovering.
I don't panic easily, but this is getting to me a little. In fact, I am rather laissez-faire about germs, etc. Normally, I live a pretty quiet existence in a small town, but I do take the subway to grad school and I have 3 class days left. Generally, I agree with what CC said; media hype.

[snapdragen]

I heard a news report yesterday, more people have died in the United States from regular flu this season than from the H1N1 virus. Too bad it was buried in the middle of the newscast, after the PANIC FEAR reports.

Since I work at a hospital, we get regular updates. We also all been through a "Pandemic Flu" training. (In other words, office drones like me would be recruited for washing bed pans if it got really bad....) This is from the latest update:

INFECTION CONTROL FOR COUNTY STAFF
In an effort to keep you safe and to protect the public we serve would like to provide some guidance regarding the use of masks and other personal protective equipment. County staff encountering clients with signs and symptoms of influenza (including fever of 100º F or higher and head and body aches, cough, sore throat, chills, trouble breathing or vomiting and/or diarrhea) should follow the instructions below to limit the spread of infection and to protect them.
At this time, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department recommends the following precautions for County staff in contact with patients, clients and visitors with influenza like symptoms:
•Apply surgical mask to the individual. If you are in a non-clinical area, masks can be obtained through Product Management.
•Use good hand washing technique.
•Advise the individual to contact physician for further instructions. A medical provider will need to determine if the patient needs to come in for an appointment and/or a test for influenza. Likewise, a medical provider will determine the whether influenza antiviral treatment is needed.
Unless you are sick, routine use of masks is not necessary.
Please follow the below instructions to protect yourself and the community we serve.
1.Masks should be used only for those persons with symptoms to prevent the spread of disease.
2.If you are not sick, you do not need to see a physician or wear a mask.
3.Respiratory etiquette should be implemented to protect staff and patients alike.
4.We need to be sure that masks are available in adequate supply should the number of cases escalate.
5.If you have a patient with flu symptoms, please offer the patient a respiratory hygiene kit.
6.If you have any questions or concerns about these instructions, please contact your manager.

GENERAL FLU ADVICE FOR EMPLOYEES AND FAMILIES
What should I do if I think I am sick?
•If you have a fever of 100°F or higher and one of the symptoms listed above, call your doctor or medical provider. Your doctor may have you come in for an appointment and test you for influenza. Your physician will decide whether influenza antiviral treatment is needed.
•If you're sick - stay home from work or school. It is important to limit contact with other people, so you don’t spread germs to others.
•If you have flu symptoms and need to go to a medical appointment, use a surgical mask or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and throw the tissue in the trash afterward.
•If you are feeling sick and you don’t have a fever, its best to stay home from work or school, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. If your symptoms get worse, call your physician or medical provider.

What can I do to prevent getting sick?
•Wash your hands with soap and hot water to get rid of germs and prevent the spread of disease, especially after coughing and sneezing. If you do not have soap and water, use a waterless hand gel with an alcohol base of at least 60%.
•Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue whenever you sneeze and cough. Throw the tissue away in a waste basket. If you do not have a tissue, sneeze or cough into the fold of your elbow, without using your hands.
•Avoid kissing or shaking hands when greeting people, and do not share food, drinks or utensils.
•Keep common areas clean; places such as kitchen counters, bathrooms, door handles, toys, telephones and other household items.
•Allow fresh air to flow into your home or at work by opening screened windows and doors.
•Only those who are sick and experiencing flu symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, vomiting and diarrhea should call their doctor or seek medical care. Healthy people, with no flu symptoms and not in need of medical care, should stay away from medical offices, clinics and hospitals in order to limit exposure to those who may be ill. In very specific circumstances, Tamiflu or Relenza, may be prescribed to sick people with certain health conditions and healthcare workers who may have been exposed to the swine flu.