Swine Influenza (The Swine Flu)

NOTE: Wake Forest University faculty, staff, or students who have traveled to Mexico since April 10 should contact the Student Health Service (336-758-5218) for specific information concerning monitoring for signs and symptoms of swine flu.

North America is currently experiencing an outbreak of a swine related influenza that is infecting humans and spreading person-to-person. Up-to-date information can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site.

Swine flu spreads readily by direct contact with nasal mucus from an infected person or by inhaling droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. You may lower your chances of catching this particular influenza by avoiding people who have been diagnosed with swine flu, washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer, and by keeping your hands away from your face. Individuals who have traveled to an area where swine flu has been dectected (e.g., Mexico, San Diego area of California, San Antonio area of Texas, Queens Burrough of New York City), or individuals who have been exposed to someone who has been diagnosed with swine flu should contact the Student Health Service by phone (336-758-5218) or contact their personal physician by phone if they become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting and diarrhea.

If you are sick, you should stay home from work and school in order to avoid contact with other people to prevent spreading your illness to others.

SWINE FLU SYMPTOMS USUALLY INCLUDE:

• Fever 101 to 103 degrees
• Sudden onset of symptoms over several hours
• Severe muscle and joint aches
• Fatigue

SWINE INFLUENZA SYMPTOMS MAY ALSO INCLUDE:

• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion and/or runny nose
• Dry cough, or a cough with phlegm
• Headache
• Sensitive eyes
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Diarrhea

TREATMENT:

In the majority of people, swine flu, like most viral illnesses, is self limited. This means that your own immune system will adequately combat the infection within 5-10 days. Here are some things to do to relieve the symptoms of influenza:

ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS:
The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is available at the Student Health Service for students who are diagnosed with swine flu.

FEVER, HEADACHE, MUSCLE ACHES:
For fevers over 101 degrees use: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) or Acetaminophen (Anacin 3, Tylenol, etc.). Make certain of the correct dose (400-600mg Ibuprofen or 650mg Acetaminophen every 4 hours as needed). Avoid aspirin as this may be associated with Reye's syndrome.

FATIGUE:
Get plenty of rest--it's the most important treatment of all. Fatigue may be the last symptom to subside.

NASAL CONGESTION:
An oral decongestant (Sudafed) may decrease nasal congestion. Breathing moist air can soothe inflamed nasal passages.

SORE THROAT:
Gargle with a mixture of 1/2 tsp. salt in an 8 ounce glass of warm water every 2-4 hours to help reduce swelling, cleanse the throat, and lessen pain. Lozenges or throat sprays are also useful.

COUGH:
A cough syrup may help. However, do not overuse a cough suppressant because some cough is helpful in clearing your infection. Drink lots of fluids (the equivalent of 6 to 8 eight ounce glasses of water a day).

POOR APPETITE:
Drink plenty of fluids to soothe the throat, loosen secretions, and help relieve nasal congestion. Eat and drink healthy foods that appeals to you.

CALL THE STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE (758-5218) IF YOU DEVELOP:

• Symptoms lasting over 5 days without signs of improvement.
• Fever persisting for more than 2 or 3 days or any fever over 103 degrees not relieved by Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.
• Severe cough or cough producing large amounts of phlegm.
• Severe sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
• Wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
• Severe headaches.