 |
 |
 |
| H1N1 Flu | |||
|
As you know, a recent outbreak of the H1N1, thought to have originated in Mexico, has spread worldwide. There have been confirmed cases of the illness in the United States, including in our state of Michigan. As such, it is important for me to reach out to my constituents to ensure they informed about the evolving outbreak. The Federal government is acting quickly to address the situation. President Obama has requested $1.5 billion in emergency funding in the event the outbreak becomes more widespread. Please rest assured I am continuing to monitor the situation, and my thoughts are with those impacted by H1N1. Below are some commonly asked questions regarding the illness. There are also additional resources at the bottom of this page should you need additional information. These websites will be constantly updated as the situation progresses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is the lead agency in responding to public health concerns, provided the information below. What is H1N1?H1N1 is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. H1N1 viruses cause high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs. H1N1 viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans.What are the symptoms of H1N1 in humans?The symptoms of H1N1 in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with H1N1 also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.Can people catch H1N1 from eating pork?No. H1N1 viruses are not transmitted by food. You can not get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.How does H1N1 spread?Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur, which is what we’re seeing now. This is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
What should I do if I get sick?If you live in areas where H1N1 cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.Are there medicines to treat H1N1?Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these H1N1 viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).How long can an infected person spread H1N1 to others?People with H1N1 virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.Resources Department of Health and Human Services World Health Organization (WHO) H1N1 Page
| |||
|
|
|||
In Washington, D.C.
* * * * * 2328 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-4071 (202) 226-0371 (fax) |
In Michigan
Dearborn: 19855 West Outer Drive Suite 103-E Dearborn, MI 48124 (313) 278-2936 |
In Michigan
Monroe: 23 East Front Street Suite 103 Monroe, MI 48161 (734) 243-1849 |
In Michigan
Ypsilanti: 301 W. Michigan Ave Suite 305 Ypsilanti, MI 48197 (734) 481-1100 |