Swine Flu Outbreak - What you need to know and do

  • Published
  • By Nancy J. Driscoll, RNP, MSN
  • 452 AMW Public Health Flight
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --  We all know the world is looking at this present Swine Influenza Outbreak, H1N1 virus, as the possible Pandemic Influenza event we thought would occur from the Avian Influenza Virus, H5N1. 

There is a real and justifiable concern because of the novelty of this particular swine virus. But we need not panic, a pandemic is not inevitable. 

We are still very early in the investigation phase; the situation worldwide is still evolving; and what is really going on in Mexico has the world's brightest scientists, microbiologists at work. 

What you need to know and do. The Swine Flu virus, just like the "Seasonal Flu" virus is passed person-to-person by coughing and sneezing which puts millions of water particles (droplets in medical parlance) into the air. 

These droplets can be propelled in a cough or sneeze up to 4 to 6 feet from your mouth. Water droplets are heavier than air and will fall, settle on surfaces and can remain viable, alive, for up to two hours or more. 

So what does all this mean? 

Cover your cough/sneeze and wash your hands frequently! Yep, that simple! 

When possible use a tissue to cough/sneeze into and throw it away. If you don't have one, cough into your upper arm, sleeve -- not your hands. Use warm soapy water to vigorously wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. 

If water is not available, get and keep a supply of the alcohol based hand sanitizers, they will kill the virus. 

Other things you can do. Stay tuned into what your local community Public Health Officials are telling you. They know best what is and is not happening in your area. 

Be proactive, start today by implementing those tried and true non-pharmaceutical infection control measures! 

Our success in mitigating the continued spread of the swine flu virus rests with each individual doing his/her part! 

I for one am keeping tissues with me at all times; washing my hands frequently; keeping a supply of alcohol based hand sanitizers at home, work and in the car. And don't get in people's faces. 

Increase your personal space radius in public ... six feet ... right now it's good to be a little standoffish! It will help keep us all a little healthier. 

Visit the CDC web site often!