June update on H1N1 (swine) flu

WHO declares pandemic; higher alert level being monitored locally

Novel influenza A H1N1 (swine flu), which the international health community has been tracking since its emergence in April, was officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on June 11.  The organization has advanced its alert status to phase 6?the highest status it can declare.

The WHO announcement does not mean that the virus is more lethal but only that its further spread is considered inevitable.

In announcing the change in alert status, Dr. Margaret Chan, director-general of the WHO, noted, ?No previous pandemic has been detected so early or watched so closely, in real-time, right at the very beginning.  The world can now reap the benefits of investments, over the last five years, in pandemic preparedness.?

She noted that the overwhelming majority of patients experience mild symptoms and make a rapid and full recovery, often in the absence of any medical treatment.  The WHO continues to recommend no restrictions on travel and no border closures.

Skidmore?s Health Services and Campus Safety offices have been closely monitoring the status of novel influenza A (H1N1) as information is provided by various public health agencies.  The local H1N1 flu situation has not changed.  Pam Houle, administrative director of the College?s Health Services, reports, ?We?ve received no recent alerts from the Saratoga County or New York State Health Departments.?
 
Although there is no vaccine available right now to protect against novel influenza A (H1N1), Houle reiterated that the following good health habits can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses:
 
? Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
? Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school/classes and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. See your health care provider if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
? Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
? Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not readily available, alcohol-based hand cleaners/sanitizers may be used.
? Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
? Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food. 

For more information on swine flu and the current CDC recommendations, visit the following web site.

Click here to view the Skidmore Pandemic Planningweb site, which contains a message from President Philip A. Glotzbach and links to international, federal, and state organizations responsible for public health. The New York State Health Department has a page of Frequently Asked Questions about novel influenza A (H1N1).  Click here to access.