Q: What’s this all about—is this the same as “Bird Flu”?

A: Within the last 5 days, health authorities worldwide learned of a new strain of Type A (H1N1) influenza which appears to be a new mix of genes from human, swine, and bird strains. Health authorities are concerned because major changes in influenza strains like this have led to widespread disease in the past. This strain appears to have arisen in Mexico, resulting in 1,600 cases and 100 deaths there. Forty (40) cases have so far been detected in California,Kansas City, New York City, Ohio and Texas.

THERE HAVE BEEN NO U.S. FATALITIES CAUSED BY THIS VIRUS to date.
Health authorities are taking every reasonable precaution until we know more.

Q: Where can I get vaccinated against this new strain?

A: Current influenza vaccines do not appear to be effective against this new strain. Getting a dose of last fall’s vaccine will not protect you against this new swine flu. Health authorities around the world are working to develop a vaccine, but one probably won’t be available for several months.

Q: What can we do to keep from catching this flu?

A: Public health authorities are emphasizing common sense precautions like frequent hand washing, frequent use of hand sanitizers, covering your mouth when coughing, avoiding crowded areas and people who are coughing or appear ill.

This virus is spread by droplets carrying virus from the lungs of the infected person to the hands, nose and lungs of its next host. Room cleaning and laundering practices are generally sufficient to reduce the spread of this virus, too. But HAND WASHING IS YOUR BEST DEFENSE!

Q: How do I know if I have this new flu?

A: If you develop fever (100.4°F/38°C) and either cough &/or sore throat, seek medical assistance immediately (especially if you have recently come from Mexico or other areas where the virus has been confirmed). Bedside tests can tell if you have Type A influenza, but cannot tell whether it is this new strain or not. We can send samples to the CDC for confirmation. Treatment is begun based on your symptoms, risk/exposure profile, and bedside test results.

Q: Can this new flu be treated?

A: YES. All indications so far are that this new flu strain is sensitive to the newer influenza drugs like Tamiflu. Tamiflu supplies are adequate right now to treat anticipated influenza cases and more Tamiflu is being shipped from strategic stockpiles. Anti-influenza medication must be started within 48 hours of symptoms in order to be effective, so time is of the essence.

Currently, medications are NOT routinely recommended for healthy people who think they may have been
exposed, but who do not yet have symptoms. However, if you have had close contact with a confirmed case of this new flu strain, then you may be treated with Tamiflu as prevention.

Q: What can be done if I think I have this new flu?

A: Anyone who appears ill or has fever with cough or sore throat should stay in their room. Do NOT travel or visit local attractions if you have a fever, cough or sore throat. Rather than going to a crowded ER or walk-in clinic, where you may spread the infection to large numbers of people, contact EastCoast Medical to arrange for a physician house call ASAP.

We can usually get a doctor to you in less time than it will take you to see a doctor at the hospital. Our physicians can diagnose influenza and start your treatment with the medications they carry with them, so there’s no need to leave the comfort, security and convenience of your room or villa until you recovered.

Q: Where can I get the latest accurate information about this new flu threat?

A: Call EastCoast Medical at 407.648.5252 or visit the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu for the latest updates.
EastCoast is here to help our visitors, just as we have been for the last 30 years.

Information supplied by East Coast Medical, Orlando.