Swine Flu in Idaho (Pocatello, Idaho Falls: home, school, college)

[Mtn. States Resident]

While only tests at the CDC can confirm the Swine Flu, it looks like Idaho will be announcing a first case within a couple of days.

Here's one link to the the process of testing for Swine Flu and why it takes some time. "Three of Six Local Flu Results are In," - Three of six local Swine Flu results are in | KIDK CBS 3 - News, Weather and Sports - Idaho Falls - Pocatello - Blackfoot, ID - Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Blackfoot - Idaho | Local & Regional (http://www.kidk.com/news/local/43925602.html - broken link).

Also, these are really great references to follow the progression of the disease:

From KIDK (KIDK CBS 3 - News, Weather and Sports - Idaho Falls - Pocatello - Blackfoot, ID - Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Blackfoot - Idaho) Swine Flu Resources
Tracking map | CDC infection tally | What should you do?

The tracking map is worldwide: //maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=p&msa=0&msid=106484775090296685 271.0004681a37b713f6b5950&source=embed&ll=37.30027 5,-91.757812&spn=53.436565,114.257813&z=4.

CDC infection tally will show confirmed cases vs. suspected etc. on the map.

What should you do?

What you need to know about swine flu | KIDK CBS 3 - News, Weather and Sports - Idaho Falls - Pocatello - Blackfoot, ID - Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Blackfoot - Idaho | Health (http://www.kidk.com/news/health/43809317.html - broken link)

While these links are through Eastern Idaho Health Dept. (Dept VII) they pertain to the entire state:

www2.state.id.us/phd7/Current%20News/Swine%20Flu/Swine%20Flu%20Main.htm

Please add additional information here as more information is officially released about Swine Flu in Idaho.

Thanks,

MSR

[Mtn. States Resident]

WHO boosts pandemic alert level to 5

There are several other sources confirming the World Health Organization has raised the Pandemic Alert to 5. This link is from Canada. Sometimes, it is nice to see what other countries are printing/saying.

The BBC (BBC - Homepage) also is a leader in this type of news.

Get your supplies ready. IF you don't know what to put away for this flu, leave a post with specific questions. I'll post some links later. Mainly, medicines and food/drinks etc. to replace electrolytes, keep someone hydrated through severe flu. You'll need enough for each family member and authorities recommend you have enough for 2 weeks.

Probably, the stores will not be open either do to employee's being ill and/or no supplies.

This is time to help your neighbors if possible. It is a frightening time for many.

MSR

[norcalmom101]

I just oriented 5 new employees and instructed them all to keep the pens I'd given them.

[Clark Fork Fantast]

Down here in SoCal there is a very high level of concern. I'm a college professor, and I try to keep the flu discussion in my classes on an even keel: Information, not hysteria. It is important to remember that during a normal flu season 36,000 American lives are usually lost, to pneumonia and other secondary infections, with about 100 deaths a day, and we're used to that--we don't even bat an eye unless it touches us personally. The swine flu media hype is at least as viral as the flu .

That being said, precautions are always wise. Stocking up on water with electrolytes is a great idea. I've also bought extra supplies of chicken broth in cartons, because it's easy to make if you're sick. It is too soon, in my view, to assume that things will get so bad that stores will be closed, but it doesn't hurt to prepare for such a scenario. And then the usual stuff I tell my students: Wash your hands! Don't touch your nose, mouth and eyes! Cough and sneeze into your elbow if you don't have a tissue, not in your hands! And above all, if you're coming down with flu symptoms, stay home from school or work. That's the proper work ethic under those conditions. These are rules we should follow during each flu season, anyway. Now is as good a time as any to develop better habits.
Stay safe, all of you.

[norcalmom101]

I'm suprised at the number of people who have tried to shake my hand in the past couple of days. And the number of people I know who are still going forward with travel to Mexico and California. I don't mind if they go, I just hope they have the good sense not to come back too soon...

[brokencrayola]

So I assume there is no immunizations with this? I would think they are trying to develop an innoculation to try to help this from spreading.

[Sage of Sagle]

CDC has FAQ's about it here. (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090428/ap_on_he_me/med_healthbeat_swine_flu_q_a - broken link) Basically there IS medication available for it, so Americans who find themselves with flu symptoms have immediate treatment available, and CDC has enough for 50 million people which is plenty.

[norcalmom101]

But the treatment is most effective if administered within the first two days. If you believe you may be infected it is advisable to seek medical assistance immediately, with your first efforts by telephone to help contain the outbreak. Facemasks make people feel better, but respirators prevent the inhalation of particulate matter ie flu bug. A doctor I know indicates the medicine has not been distributed to pharmacies, but is in the hands of the military. He's not exposing his kids to any fast food/take out/restaurant foods for the next couple of weeks.

[norcalmom101]

Internal memo from a local facility:

To all:
There is much concern regarding recent news coverage of the Swine Flu. Here are some key points and strategies for ourselves and our customers for minimizing the risk of becoming infected:

· The Swine Flu falls under the category of "Type A Influenza Virus". It is spread from person to person mostly through the air from coughing and sneezing. It can also be spread by touching something that has been contaminated with germs and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

· The Swine Flu is very easy to kill on surfaces. All disinfectants stocked and sold by Brady Industries are effective against Influenza Viruses and therefore are effective against the Swine Flu. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends using hospital grade disinfectants according to manufacturers instructions for decontaminating surfaces. The Center For Disease Control (CDC) has noted that even household disinfectants can be used since they are also effective. Bleach 1 to 8 parts water.

· The key to effectively disinfecting surfaces is to follow the directions. Concentrates should be mixed accurately. All disinfectants, including pop-up wipes, require adequate "dwell time". This means that the surface must remain wet for the amount of time specified on the label for the disinfectant to work. This can vary from 30 seconds to 10 minutes depending on the product.

· When disinfecting, focus on "high touch" surfaces, such as telephones, key boards, desk tops, door handles, etc. Since disinfectants do not provide residual protection, use them frequently, especially if these surfaces are touched by others.

· The Sani-Shield line of barrier products are ideal for providing residual protection on surfaces. While they have not yet received registration as disinfectants, they are proven to prevent germs, including viruses, from surviving on surfaces for at least a week. Can also use the N95 mask.

· Hand hygiene is one of the most important factors in reducing the risk of infections. Both OSHA and the CDC recommend using alcohol hand sanitizers frequently. If hands become soiled wash thoroughly with a gentle hand soap for at least 15 seconds. Anti-microbial hand soaps can also be used but are not necessary. After drying the hands, use the paper towel to turn off the water and to grab door handles so as not to re-contaminate the hands.

· Always cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve. Avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands, but if you do, wash or sanitize them before touching anything.

· Avoid coming to work sick. The Swine Flu is contagious for about seven days from the onset of symptoms so it is important that you stay home to not risk contaminating everyone else at work.

Hope this eases some of the questions for staff and visitors.

[jwest09]

Idaho getting a lot of people from Mexico to work on the farms, could be a problem.