Special Flu Alert “H1N1”

The World Health Organization (Who) today raised the level of the swine flu alert from Phase Four to Phase Five.

"The change is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent.

"As further information becomes available, The World Health Organization may decide to either revert to Phase Four or raise the level of alert to Phase Six, the highest level.

"The decision to move to Phase Five was based primarily on data demonstrating sustainable human-to-human transmission of the virus.

"A virus outbreak is only classified as a pandemic at Phase Six".

In the United States the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says "If ill persons must go into the community (e.g., to seek medical care) they should wear a face mask to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in the community when they cough, sneeze, talk or breathe."

"The CDC reports additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation’s first fatality from this outbreak.

"The more recent illnesses and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the U.S."

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The CDC says "Most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths are expected in the coming days and weeks. Your bodies immunity is your best defense against this outbreak.

"In addition, CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) continues to send antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak."

General Recommendations

People that develop influenza-like-illness (ILI) (fever with either cough or sore throat) should be strongly encouraged to self-isolate in their home for 7 days after the onset of illness or at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer. Persons who experience ILI and wish to seek medical care should contact their health care providers to report illness (by telephone or other remote means) before seeking care at a clinic, physician’s office, or hospital. Persons who have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath or are believed to be severely ill should seek immediate medical attention. Persons in home isolation and their household members should be given infection control instructions: including frequent hand washing with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand gels (containing at least 60% alcohol) when soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty. When the ill person is within 6 feet of others at home, the ill person should wear a face mask if one is available and the ill person is able to tolerate wearing it.