With growing public awareness and concern about the threat of pandemic swine flu, medical professionals at John C. Lincoln Hospitals in Phoenix, Arizona, have been asked to share their expertise with the public.
Deer Valley hospitalist/internal medicine specialist Anil Goud, MD, was interviewed April 26 by reporters from KTVK Channel 3 and FOX Channel 10; Infectious Disease Medical Director Tim Kuberski, MD, was interviewed at 5:30 and 6:30 a.m. April 27 by reporters from KPNX Channel 12. Both talked about the nature of the new strain, symptoms, risk factors and prevention.
Additional confirmed cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) continue to be identified in California, Kansas, Ohio, New York City and Texas. Arizona has yet to identify a case of swine influenza but continues to see seasonal influenza A cases. The following is an interim update and guidance for clinicians from the Arizona Department of Health Services and John C. Lincoln Hospitals in Phoenix.
Symptoms of U.S. Swine Flu Cases
- Symptoms alone cannot distinguish swine flu from seasonal flu. The 20 confirmed U.S. patients have all recovered and their illness was not more severe than seasonal influenza.
- Flu symptoms include fever (greater than 100°F, or 37.8° C), respiratory distress, cough, body aches and, rarely, diarrhea.
What To Do If You Are Experiencing Flu Symptoms
- Call your physician.
- Make every effort to avoid infecting others. Stay home unless your doctor advises you to come to the office or to go to the hospital Emergency Department for diagnosis and treatment.
- Do not go to work or public places, and do not send children with flu symptoms to school.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.
- Wash your hands after they have been exposed to sneezing or coughing or other bodily fluids.
Prevention
- Wash your hands:
- at periodic intervals during the day;
- after contact with sneezing or coughing;
- before touching your mouth, nose or eyes (including inserting or removing contact lenses);
- before and after using restroom facilities.
- Avoid people who are experiencing symptoms of respiratory distress, coughing or sneezing.
Additional Resources
Check for the latest updates at:
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