Important-Swine Flu Information

Hi all,
Please be aware that there is an outbreak of Swine Flu, which can be extremely serious. There has been a declaration of emergency with relation to this outbreak, which allows for immediate action to thwart potential pandemic. There are 28 cases in New York and a total of 40 throughout the nation. It is believed to have been carried back to the states by student(s) in a Queens NY Prep School vacationing in Mexico. In Mexico, at least 20, and as many as 80 people have died. So far, the US incidents have only resulted in one hospitalization.

The symptoms include typical flu-like symptoms of aches, fever, etc.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT!!!

The Department of Health and Human Services have notified New Jersey schools to be on the lookout for children with flu-like symptoms.


NJ Department of Health & Senior Services - click here

The Center for Disease Control - click here

Thanks,
Laura

At least we know the school board won't catch it. They are a bunch of swine and it only affects people.

According to CDC, it is estimated that, on average, approximately 5% to 20% of U.S. residents get the flu, and more than 200,000 persons are hospitalized for flu-related complications each year. About 36,000 Americans die on average per year from the complications of flu (this is the regular yearly one - not some mutated strain). The H1N1 (swine variety) infected only 160 (1 death) in the US....why should I worry? 750 world wide with most deaths in Mexico....is this really a pandemic? All we have to do is practice better hygiene and common sense as we should every year during flu season. I really hope the fear mongers of the world would stop. All the people need is to be informed not scared to death. I think most people are just too stupid to get it. The numbers are incredibly small. You probably more likely to killed by lightning or attacked by shark. Please let me know when its out of control that is when I'll worry!

I agree that panic is NOT appropriate. Any flu can be serious but generally is fairly mild when treated in normally healthy individuals. Like any flu, swine flu can be very serious in very young and older folks as well as those with compromised immune systems.

So not just for the kids but mostly for really young siblings and elderly grandparents, etc. its wise to be aware, practice good hygiene, and be on the lookout for symptoms.