Swine Flu Video – Closed Captioned
There’s a very good video about swine flu which has closed
captions. It features Joseph Bresee, M.D., Chief of the Epidemiology &
Prevention Branch in the Center for Disease Control’s Influenza
Division. The video runs approximately 5 ½ minutes. To start the
captions, find the box at the far right on the bottom of the screen
which has an arrow icon. It will give you a “CC” symbol to click
on.
The video tells you what swine flu is, where it comes from, what the
symptoms and treatments are and how long people with swine flu can be
contagious. Dr. Breese gives information on what steps to take to
avoid catching the virus, what to do if you think you have become
infected, and warning signs that should lead you to seek emergency
medical care.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5t1r7yG7rM&feature=featured
What You Need to Know About Swine Flu
As you have undoubtedly heard, there have been several confirmed
cases (66 nationwide at this time, including one death in Texas) of
swine flu in the U.S. As health experts around the world seek to
better understand the scope and severity of the swine flu outbreak, we
thought it would be useful to share some basic facts about the flu
with you.
About Swine Flu:
Swine flu is caused by Type A influenza and is a respiratory disease
in pigs. Humans can become infected with the virus by coming into
contact with humans or pigs carrying swine flu.
Symptoms:
Those infected may experience flu-like symptoms such as lethargy,
lack of appetite, cough, runny nose, fever, muscle aches, and
sometimes nausea and vomiting.
It is important to note that you cannot get swine flu from eating
pork that is cooked to the recommended temperature of 160 degrees.
Treatment:
If you are not feeling well, stay home and avoid contact with others.
Please also be sure to visit your doctor as soon as possible. If
caught within the first 48 hours, medications such as Tamiflu and
Relenza can decrease the time of illness and lessen the symptoms. It
is also important for the doctor to make sure it is not another
illness such as pneumonia, strep throat, etc.
Prevention:
To lower your risk of getting the flu, or any other virus, you
should:
· Avoid people who are ill
· Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water
· Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing, then properly
dispose of the tissue in a trash receptacle
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
What You Can Do:
For now, stay healthy and stay informed. It is always a good idea to
practice good health habits, eat a balanced diet, exercise on a
regular basis, get plenty of rest and practice good hygiene.
Web sites for organizations such as the World Health Organization,
the American Red Cross and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention contain a wealth of information regarding the flu’s
symptoms, treatment and prevention. I urge you to take time to educate
yourself and your family about flu and precautions you can take. Avoid
speculation and be sure of the facts. We will continue to provide you
with information about this issue as more facts become known.
Information to help you understand the swine flu can be found at the
following sites:
World Health Organization
American Red Cross
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention