Dr. Karen Landers, Marion County Health officer, answered questions from online readers about the Swine Flu on April 29, 2009. Q. Hi, I have planned a vacation to Cancun for June 1st. I've been watching the news for info. I'm just wondering if there is any idea how long the threat of this might last? Should I be concerned we will still be seeing this spreading in a month? Thank you for any info. Dr. Karen Landers: The situation is changing rapidly, but it appears to spreading both in the U.S. and internationally. There is no way to predict how long or short it will be. I recommend that you check the travel advisory information at the CDC's website.
Q. Hi, I have planned a vacation to Cancun for June 1st. I've been watching the news for info. I'm just wondering if there is any idea how long the threat of this might last? Should I be concerned we will still be seeing this spreading in a month? Thank you for any info.
The situation is changing rapidly, but it appears to spreading both in the U.S. and internationally. There is no way to predict how long or short it will be. I recommend that you check the travel advisory information at the CDC's website.
Q. I am flying to Japan tomorrow, a 12 hour flight. Is it advisable to wear a mask on the flight? I am not so concerned about the environment once I arrive in Japan, just the environment on the airplane, with the recycled air. I have my alcohol-based hand cleaner, and know all about hand washing and not touching face etc...
I have seen no specific recommendations on wearing masks during long flights. I recommend you check the travel advisory information on CDC's swine flu web site.
Q. Will the flu vaccine already given to children help in prevention of this strain of the flu?
Since the swine flu virus is a new type of influenza, it does not appear that the seasonal influenza vaccine that was given will provide protection. Work has begun to develop a new vaccine to protect against swine flu.
Q. What's the difference between swine flu and the regular flu? I understand it has come from Mexico, but is it really stemming from pigs? Should we not be eating any pork?
The swine flu is a new type of influenza virus that has genetic material from pigs and humans. The symptoms of swine flu are generally the same as for seasonal flu but contact with pigs is not needed to get it. You can not get the swine flu from eating pork.
Q. I have a four-month old daughter. How worried should I be about others holding her? Should I try to keep her away from public areas?
As of yet there are no cases of swine flu that have been identified in Oregon. Because young children are very vulnerable to serious illness with flu, it is a good idea to limit contact to people who are not ill and avoid crowded public areas.
Q. How do people access the anti-viral medication if they do not have a medical provider?
If you do not have a medical provider and develop illness that may be swine flu, you may need to visit a hospital or urgent care location to be tested and treated if needed.
Q. What is it about this outbreak of flu that warrants such intense media attention? All in all, isn't this a fairly normal year for flu?
The swine flu has potential to become a pandemic because it is new type of influenza that people don't have immunity to, it has caused serious illness and deaths, and it is spreading rapidly. This is different from the regular flu season.
Q. If and when do you expect to see swine flu hit Oregon?
The swine flu is spreading rapidly both in the United States and internationally. There is no way to predict when it will arrive in Oregon, but we do expect cases at some point. We are monitoring carefully to identify cases when they do occur.
Q. What are the plans if any, to have vaccines available to those who need them?
Work has begun on the development of a vaccine to protect against swine flu, but the process of developing a new influenza vaccine will take several months. In the meantime, good handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and antiviral medications for illness will be some of the ways we can reduce the spread.
Q. What would be the process followed if there is a confirmed case of swine flu in a school aged child in Marion County?
We will work with the schools and public health official at the state to determine whether classes need to be canceled.
Q. Are there any plans to close schools (including universities) or enact quarantines if Swine Flu is discovered in the state?
We will be recommending some community measures to reduce spread of the flu that may include cancellation of classes and recommendations to avoid public crowded settings.
Q. It is my understanding there is not a current preventative vaccine, but that they are working on one. The vaccine will take several months to produce won't it?
The process to develop a new influenza vaccine can take several months. Work has begun to develop a new vaccine to protect against swine flu.
Q. What specific symptoms should be checked by a physician?
I understand that the symptoms are fever, lethargy, cough, etc.
But how does a person know if it is a cold, or more?
Is there a fever threshold to consider? Say fever over a certain amount for a certain period of time?
The symptoms of colds and flu are very similar. At this time, a fever of greater than 100 with cough and or sore throat who have traveled within 7 days to a community in the U.S. or internationally with swine flu. As yet there have been no confirmed cases of swine flu in Oregon.
Q. What is a "pandemic"?
A pandemic is a global epidemic. There were 3 influenza pandemics in the 20th century. The 1918 influenza pandemic caused 500,000 deaths in the U.S. alone. They occur when a new influenza virus that is capable of spreading from person to person comes along. Because it is a new virus, people will not have any immunity to it.
Q. What was the time line from the initial outbreak to today? At what point did it become apparent that this could be an issue for us in the US?
This situation is evolving rapidly. Current information suggests that it may have begun in late March. The rapid spread both in the U.S. and internationally is of concern to public health.
Q. I have read that swine flu is not spread through pork products, so I am curious how the first person got it?
Pigs can be infected with human and other influenza viruses. The swine flu has genetic components of pig influenza but is spread from person to person so no contact with pigs or pork products is needed.
Q. At what point do Swine flu symptoms become evident? Aren't they the same symptoms as normal flu? How do you keep people from rushing to the doctor for a simple cold? And, at what point do drugs like Tamiflu need to be administered to be effective?
Swine flu and seasonal influenza have similar symptoms. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a cold and the flu. A fever of over 100, and body aches are more common with flu. Antiviral drugs are best given within 48 hours of illness start but can be used at any point in the illness.
Q. Where should families go to be tested if they have flu symptoms and have recently traveled to an affected area or have been in contact with a person from the affected area and DO NOT have a health care provider? Uninsured?
Persons with flu symptoms that may have traveled or been exposed to an ill person from an area with swine flu who do not have a medical provider may need to visit an urgent care or emergency setting to be tested.
Q. Why does swine flu affect people ages 20 to 50 years old when usually flu is worse for the elderly and young children?
The swine flu virus is still being studied so the answer to that question isn't known. It is a new influenza strain so people will not have immunity to it.
Q. Can you catch swine flu from eating pork?
No. The swine flu is a respiratory illness that is passed from person to person. It is safe to eat properly cooked pork.
Q. How do you catch it?
Swine flu, like other influenza viruses is spread when a person coughs or sneezes and another person close by (within 6 feet) gets the virus in their nose, mouth or eyes. the virus can also live on surfaces that have been contaminated.
Q. How effective are standard flu shots against this new strain?
The swine flu is a new type of influenza virus. Currently flu vaccines will not offer protection. A new vaccine will need to be developed and work has begun on it.
Q. Do you think closing public places in the cities that have been affected with swine flue is warranted?
There is good information from previous influenza epidemics that reducing exposure in locations where people or crowds gather can reduce the spread of illness.
Q 1. Do you know why or have any theories why the swine flu cases outside Mexico have all been mild? Is that likely to change?
2. One radio program said in case of an outbreak, it's best to avoid hospitals unless it's urgent. Do you agree and does that include routine doctor's visits?
The situation is changing from day to day and more severe illnesses are being seen in the U.S. At this point, there are no confirmed cases in Oregon so there are no recommendations to avoid routine medical visits. If a person has symptoms of influenza, it is best to call the doctor before visiting the clinic so precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of illness spread.
Q. Can you explain why some cases are fatal and others are not. What is the actual cause of death? Is it dehydration or something else? Is there something people can do to minimize the risk of death?
The cause of deaths related to swine influenza are frequently related to pneumonia. The reason why deaths occur in some is unclear at this point. The best way to prevent illness is to use good handwashing, cover cough or sneezes and stay home from work or school while ill.
Q. I've see on news reports that travelers coming from Mexico to the U.S. haven't been stopped and checked for the disease. Why isn't the government taking this precaution if swine flu is so serious?
At this point border and travel restrictions are unlikely to be effective because the illness has already spread to several states and countries.