Monday, April 27, 2009

CDC Provides Updates on Swine Flu Cases, Precautions, and More

Swine flu cases in the United States are limited in severity, but the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is still making sure that the public is informed with the latest information.

The CDC's Swine Flu Web site is updated frequently throughout the day, including information on:
* Key facts on swine flu
* Symptoms of swine flu
* Antiviral drugs and swine flu
* Number of swine flu cases in the U.S. currently known
* What you can do to stay healthy
* Travel notices related to swine flu
* Guidelines for health professional, reports and publications on swine flu, and press briefings

The CDC notes that the swine virus, influenza A (H1N1), is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir (brand name: Tamiflu) and zanamivir (brand name: Relenza).

The CDC is using social media to get the word out, and has an account on Twitter (@CDCemergency) that you can follow to get the latest information, including links to the latest bulletins.

The American public radio show The Takeaway has a handy swine flu Q&A, which also answers questions such as the difference between a pandemic vs. an epidemic, etc.

As of Monday, April 27th the U.S. Government is suggesting that Americans avoid travel to Mexico, where the swine flu has infected more people and has caused a number of deaths.

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