Published: April 29, 2009 11:45 am      

Is the swine flu here?

Officials say no, give precautions

Ada — Rumors that swine flu is present in Pontotoc County have been greatly exaggerated, according to officials.

Pontotoc County Health Department Administrator Mike Echelle said although there have been several cases in the United States there have been no confirmed cases in Oklahoma of the virus which has killed more than 150 people in Mexico.

“The good news is that the cases reported in the United States have been mild,” Echelle said. “That could change.”

Ada Doctor Tawfik Z. Ramadan said he has treated only cases of influenza virus A, which is the “regular” flu virus. Ramadan said diagnosis of swine flu must be done through the state health department.

The contagious respiratory swine influenza (H1N1) has infected people in six U.S. states (Texas, California, Kansas, New York, Indiana and Ohio).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that a 23-month-old child in Texas died from swine flu, but the child was not a U.S. citizen.

According to the Associated Press, a spokeswoman for the Houston Health and Human Services Department, said Wednesday the child had traveled with family from Mexico to Brownsville in South Texas. The child became ill in Brownsville and was taken to a Houston hospital where it died Monday night, she said.

According to the CDC, flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Officials have said those who have received a flu vaccine are not protected against swine flu and caution 35,000 people die each year from the so-called regular flu - usually the very young, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

“Once you’ve contracted the flu, there would be drugs used to fight against the flu, to keep the virus from reproducing in your body,” Echelle said.

The CDC said swine flu can be treated with anti-viral drugs which make the illness milder and make victims feel better faster. The drugs may also prevent serious flu complications.

Echelle said the state health department has access to these drugs should there be an outbreak in Oklahoma. He said people should take a proactive approach to avoid contracting the virus.

The Louise Herrington School of Nursing at Baylor University said people should remain calm and while the current instances of swine flu are cause for concern, people shouldn’t panic.

Health care agencies and professionals nationwide continue to monitor cases of swine flu and provide updates. The public can take everyday actions to help prevent additional cases from arising.

Hand-washing is one of the most effective ways to avoid the transmission of disease. It is crucial to wash hands after a cough or sneeze. Hand sanitizers that are alcohol-based are also effective.

People should cover the nose and mouth during a sneeze or cough. Using a disposable tissue to cover both the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and immediately throwing the tissue in the trash is recommended.

It is not wise to touch the nose, mouth or eyes. These areas are where germs spread most rapidly. People should avoid touching the nose, mouth or eyes as much as possible.

Also as much as possible, experts warn to stay away from people who exhibit symptoms. Again, influenza spreads from infected people when they cough or sneeze.

People exhibiting symptoms should stay away from work or school. The best way to prevent the transmission of disease is isolation. If sick, people should limit contact with others as much as possible and seek medical attention immediately. People should not assume that they might just have “the sniffles.” Only a trained medical professional can diagnose the symptoms.

The Oklahoma Department of Health has set up a phone bank for persons with questions about swine flu. The toll-free number is 1-866-278-7134. Currently, phones are answered 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. They will expand their hours if necessary.