H1N1 Out Break is serious

To Educate my readers who may have concerns about the H1N1 virus (SWINE FLU) read below:

H1N1 is a subtype of influenzavirus A and the most common cause of influenza in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans, including the strain(s) responsible for the 1918 flu pandemic and the many strains that cause influenza worldwide each year. Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs and in birds. The 1918 flu pandemic killed 50–100 million people worldwide from 1918 to 1919.[1]
Low pathogenic H1N1 strains still exist in the wild today, causing roughly half of all flu infections in 2006.[2]
In March and April 2009, an outbreak of influenza in Mexico has confirmed 26 cases, and 7 fatalities with the new strain of H1N1 were detected.[3] As of April 28, the new strain was suspected to have infected more than 2,500 individuals worldwide, with 152 attributed deaths (see 2009 swine flu outbreak). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control warned that it was possible the outbreak could develop into a pandemic.[4]
On April 27, 2009, the World Health Organization raised alertness from level 3 to level 4 (max 6) worldwide[5], since (sustained) human-to-human transfer of the virus was confirmed.
This is a health crisis not a pandemic at this time
Not transmittal by the digestion of pork products
Current Locations affected (Texas, New York, California, Mexico)
Travel to Mexico is prohibited until further notice


CDC Recommendations

At this time, CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. Changes to this recommendation will be posted at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/. Please check this site frequently for updates.
If you must travel to an area that has reported cases of swine flu:
Stay Informed
Check updates from the:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Secretaria de Salud,
World Health Organization

Monitor announcements from Mexico’s Ministry of Health and local government including information about affected areas, as not all areas are equally affected.
Follow local public health guidelines, including any movement restrictions and prevention recommendations.

Be aware that Mexico is checking all exiting airline passengers for signs of swine flu. Exit screening may cause significant delays at airports.

Prepare for your trip before you leave

Antiviral Medications: Travelers from the United States going to Mexico who are at high risk of severe illness from influenza (for example persons with chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, and the elderly, see

www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/index.htm) are recommended to take antiviral medications for prevention of swine influenza during travel. The recommended antiviral drugs for swine influenza are oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu®) and zanamivir (brand name Relenza®). Both are prescription drugs that fight against swine flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in the body. These drugs can prevent infection if taken as a preventative. Talk to your doctor about correct indications for using influenza antiviral medications. Always seek medical care if you are severely ill.
Antiviral chemoprophylaxis, or taking medicine to prevent flu viruses from reproducing in the body, (pre-exposure or post-exposure) is recommended for the following people:
Household close contacts who are at high risk for complications of influenza (for example, persons with certain chronic medical conditions and the elderly) of a confirmed or suspected case.

School-aged children who are at high risk for complications of influenza (for example, persons with certain chronic medical conditions) who had close contact (face-to-face) with a confirmed or suspected case.
Travelers to Mexico who are at high risk for complications of influenza (for example, persons with certain chronic medical conditions and the elderly).
Border workers (Mexico) who are at high risk for complications of influenza (for example, persons with certain chronic medical conditions and the elderly).
Health care workers or public health workers who had unprotected close contact with an ill confirmed case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection during the ill person’s infectious period.

Antiviral chemoprophylaxis can be considered for the following:
Any health care worker who is at high risk for complications of influenza (for example, persons with certain chronic medical conditions and the elderly) who is working in an area with confirmed swine influenza A (H1N1) cases, and who is caring for patients with any acute febrile respiratory illness.
Persons who are not at high risk but who are travelers to Mexico or first responders or border workers who are working in areas with confirmed cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection.

Further information about CDC’s recommendations for antiviral use during the swine flu outbreak can be found at the following websites:
Healthcare professionals

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/recommendations.htm
General public
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/antiviral_swine.htm