As the Swine Flu moves up levels, be alert, take precaution, be informed, but don’t panic.
The World Health Organization Wednesday raised the global alert for the swine flu to a level 5, meaning a pandemic is imminent.
Swine Flu can already be in the Milwaukee area: Three probable swine flu cases in state, two in city
A number of children with connections to the two Milwaukee cases are exhibiting symptoms of swine flu, Baker said. Those children attend various Milwaukee Public Schools and are being monitored by health professionals, Baker said.
Officials did not identify any of the children or the adult, or say whether they had been hospitalized or quarantined. The news conference lasted approximately 20 minutes.
Officials said the following schools will be closed Thursday and Friday:
• Mitchell Elementary School, 1728 S. 23rd St.
• Riverside University High School, 1615 E. Locust St.
• Clement Avenue Elementary School, 3666 S. Clement Ave.
• Rogers Street Academy, 2430 W. Rogers St.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/44019787.html
This is something to take seriously, but not to over react.
If this blows over and truly didn’t have a bite and was all bark, it was a good thing to happen. This will have given us some experience in the modern era of globalization of what to do if the next pandemic is deadly. Look at it as a trial run.
Currently the virus outside of Mexico doesn’t seem to be killing people. Why is the big question! It might have something to do with the poor health care in Mexico or the government run part of it. It could be something genetic to do with ethnic background! We don’t know and neither do other nations.
One of my friends here in Milwaukee emailed me this:
“Swine Flu - This might actually be more serious than I thought. I just received notice that they are "Virucidally" (didn't know that was a word) cleaning/disinfecting our office to protect against the Swine Flu.”
Be cautious! It is not time to don the medical masks just yet!
Do simple things like washing your hands a lot during the day.
Do not cover your mouth with your hand, but do use the inside of your arm at the bend of your elbow. That is the safest place to sneeze in or cough to. If you cover your mouth with your hand and not wash it just after it, you will be spreading the germs from your mouth to your hand, to the object your hand touches.
Try not to touch your face while out and about as that is the way many people get sick from.
After you blow your nose, wash your hands.
Proper hand washing with soap and water
Follow these instructions for washing with soap and water:
Wet your hands with warm, running water and apply liquid soap or use clean bar soap. Lather well.
Rub your hands vigorously together for at least 15 to 20 seconds.
Scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
Rinse well.
Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel.
Use a towel to turn off the faucet.
Proper use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers — which don't require water — are an excellent alternative to hand washing, particularly when soap and water aren't available. They're actually more effective than soap and water in killing bacteria and viruses that cause disease. Commercially prepared hand sanitizers contain ingredients that help prevent skin dryness. Using these products can result in less skin dryness and irritation than hand washing.
Not all hand sanitizers are created equal, though. Some "waterless" hand sanitizers don't contain alcohol. Use only the alcohol-based products. The CDC recommends choosing products that contain at least 60 percent alcohol.
To use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:
Apply about 1/2 teaspoon of the product to the palm of your hand.
Rub your hands together, covering all surfaces of your hands, until they're dry.
If your hands are visibly dirty, however, wash with soap and water, if available, rather than a sanitizer.
And people we need to stop licking the handles on the grocery carts - gotta stop that practice. Ha-ha… We need to keep a sense of humor during this time!
