BJC Activates Response Plan, Surveillance of Symptoms to Detect Illness

U.S. health officials have taken steps that will help health care workers respond if an outbreak of "swine flu" that originated in Mexico has a significant impact in the United States. The  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  is working with health departments, hospitals and health care providers across the country to rapidly identify and contain any cases of the illness.

To date, only a limited number of the influenza strain had been reported in the United States and most cases were mild. But the federal government has taken steps to facilitate increased detection of the illness and to release anti-viral medications and other supplies if needed.

BJC HealthCare infectious disease doctors, nurses and staff are working closely with local and state health department officials to help identify any potential cases by ensuring emergency department and other health care staff understand what symptoms to watch for and what questions to ask regarding exposure, as well as appropriate isolation procedures if a case is suspected.

"At this time, we are in a wait-and-see mode because it is too early to tell if the influenza strain is going to spread rapidly from person to person," says Keith Woeltje, MD, BJC medical director of infection prevention and Washington University assistant professor of infectious disease. "In the meantime, the CDC and health departments are mobilizing resources, including stockpiles of anti-viral medications, in case the outbreak begins to spread significantly."

BJC has had plans in place for several years regarding a pandemic flu outbreak and is prepared to respond in the event of an outbreak.

Precautions for the new strain of flu are the same as seasonal flu and include:

• Frequent hand washing with soap or hand sanitizers
• Covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, preferably using a disposable tissue
• Avoiding contact with people who are ill
• Staying home from work or school if ill to reduce the risk of spreading the illness
   

Swine Flu Facts

What is swine flu?
Like other forms of influenza, swine flu is a fever-producing respiratory illness. A new strain of influenza (flu) recently identified in patients in Mexico was named "swine flu" because it is genetically related to flu viruses found in pigs. It is different from the influenza virus that circulates currently in humans. It is also different from the 1976 "swine flu" that prompted a nationwide vaccine campaign that year.

How bad is swine flu?
Reports from U.S. cases suggest the swine flu is behaving like any other flu virus. There is a range of illnesses, with most U.S. patients showing relatively mild disease. There are reports of a substantial number of deaths related to the swine flu in Mexico but these reports are hard to interpret, because it is unknown whether all of these patients actually died from the flu. In addition, the total number of cases in Mexico is not known, so the percentage of people who died from the flu could be relatively small.

How many cases are there in the United States?
The number of cases is changing every day. As public health officials look harder for cases, more cases are being found. To date no cases have been reported in Missouri or Illinois, but that may change. For the most current information, visit  www.cdc.gov .

What are the symptoms of swine flu?
The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include: fever, dry cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Not everyone has every symptom.

How does swine flu spread?
It is believed that swine flu is spread from person to person the same way as seasonal flu, mainly through coughing and sneezing by infected people. Sometimes people may become infected by touching objects with the flu virus on it and then touching their nose, mouth or eyes.

Can I be vaccinated against swine flu?
At this time, there is no vaccine for the current strain of swine flu.

What about the flu vaccine we already received?
The current swine flu virus has very distinct genetic differences from other influenza viruses that commonly circulate in humans. The seasonal flu vaccine provides very little, if any, protection against swine flu.

What can I do to keep from getting sick?
The precautions for reducing spread of swine flu are the same as for seasonal flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap or sanitizing gel
• Stay in good general health by keeping physically active, eating right, drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough sleep and managing stress
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough and dispose of it right away
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill
• Wash or sanitize your hands before touching your nose, mouth or eyes
• Stay home from work or school if you develop flu symptoms

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Anti-viral drugs can help treat or prevent infection with swine flu virus. Anti-viral drugs are prescription medicines in pill, liquid or inhaler form that can make the illness milder and help patients feel better faster. For treatment, these work best if started within two days of symptoms.

What's the best way to keep the virus from spreading?
If you are sick do not go to work or school and limit your contact with others as much as possible. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and dispose of tissues in the trash. Wash or sanitize your hands after every time you cough or sneeze.

What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine flu has been identified and become ill with flu symptoms, contact your health care provider who will determine if influenza testing or treatment is needed. Reduce your contact with others.

Can I get swine flu from eating pork products?
No, swine flu is not spread through food and you cannot get it from eating pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork is safe.

What is BJC doing about swine flu?
BJC HealthCare is working closely with public health officials to protect our patients and employees. We have done significant amounts of planning over the past several years to prepare for this type of event. We are constantly monitoring the situation and adjusting to any new developments. We will continue to communicate with our employees, doctors and patients.