Updated 5/11/2009 - According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in the United States. Officials with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are reporting 487confirmed cases of H1N1 flu (swine flu) in Illinois; 2600 cases in the United Sates, and three deaths from the H1N1 flu have occurred in the United States.
Saint Anthony’s Health Center and hospitals across the state are working closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)and local health departments and are sharing information regarding any swine flu activity. Hospitals are also receiving information from the CDC to stay current on this fluid situation.
Saint Anthony’s Health Center has processes and systems in place to support our communities and is prepared to respond to a flu threat, and have been working with local communities and the State over the past several years to improve the health system’s emergency and disaster preparedness, including responding to a pandemic.
IDPH is coordinating the distribution of the CDC Strategic National Stockpile supplies to hospitals in Illinois for the treatment of H1N1, including antiviral drugs and assorted Personal Protective Equipment (gloves, gowns, masks). While there is no vaccine for the swine flu, it is treatable with antiviral drugs (Oseltamivir/Tamiflu and Zanamivir/Relenza).
Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus. Swine flu viruses cause high levels of illness and low death rates among pigs. Swine influenza viruses may circulate in swine, including swine in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The virus likely spreads from pig to pig through contact with infected mucous secretions -- when pigs are really sick, their mucous carries high levels of virus. Strains of swine flu virus also can be directly transmissible to humans. Most human infections occur following direct contact with infected pigs.
According to Rita Haynes, RN, MSN, Saint Anthony’s Infection Control, there are everyday steps that people can take to stay healthy:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue, or your sleeve if a tissue is not available, when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
“It is also important to avoid close contact with people who are sick,” said Rita. “Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. If you get sick, it is recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.”
For people who have flu-like symptoms and have traveled to areas where swine flu has been confirmed, they should seek medical attention. However, if a person has flu-like symptoms but has not traveled to areas where swine flu has been confirmed, they should contact a doctor to see if they should go in for testing.
Swine flu is not transmitted by food. Individuals cannot get swine influenza from eating pork products, however it is always recommended to thoroughly cook pork to avoid food borne illness.
For the latest information on human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) in the United States, click on the following link from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/index.htm.
Saint Anthony's Health Center is a 229-bed health care organization with dual campuses-Saint Anthony’s Hospital and Saint Clare’s Hospital- encompassing specialized inpatient and outpatient services. With over 150 physicians on its Medical Staff, Saint Anthony's Health Center offers a free physician referral service for the community: 618-463-1234.