Monday, April 27, 2009

Update on Swine Flu (H1N1) Outbreak Locations in the US

Want to know where there is an influenza outbreak near you? Check out this weekly US Map of Influenza Activity (Source: CDC)

Influenza Activity


Be sure to check back for weekly updates.

Need to get a H1N1 flu vaccination? Locate a flu shot clinic now!

Other links of interest:
How to Protect Yourself From the Swine Flu (Pig Flu)
Signs and Symptoms of the Swine Flu



*Information on WhereToFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physician. In cases of emergency, seek care from an emergency health care provider.

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Saturday, April 25, 2009

How to Protect Yourself From the Swine Flu (Pig Flu)

According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, there is currently no vaccine to protect against the swine flu (pig flu).

However, they do recommend everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.

Take these everyday steps:
1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze and cough. Promptly throw your tissue in the trash after use.
2. Wash your hands often (especially after sneezing or coughing), using soap and water. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
4. Avoid contact with sick people.
5. If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others to keep from spreading the illness.

This information comes from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention Website. They also offer a Question and Answer fact sheet and postcast which address common questions about the swine flu like:
1. What is the Swine Flu
2. Signs and Symptoms
3. How its Transmitted
3. Treatments
4. What to do if you feel you are sick
5. How to protect yourself from getting sick

and much more, so check it out!

Need help locating a health care provider? Use our free health care provider locator tool. Our site contains quality data, user ratings, and much more.

*Information on WheretoFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physician. In cases of emergency, seek care from an emergency health care provider.

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Swine Flu Signs and Symptoms

If you are experiencing swine flu symptoms below, especially if you've travelled to Mexico in the last 7 days, see your doctor. Find an urgent care center or hospital emergency room near you.

According to the CDC, the symptoms of the swine flu (pig flu) are similar to that of the regular human flu:
1. Fever
2. Cough
3. Sore Throat
4. Body Aches
5. Chills
6. Fatigue
In some cases vomiting and diarrhea have been reported. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

What should you do if you think are you sick:
1. Contact your health care provider. They can will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
2. Stay home and avoid contact with others to avoid spreading the virus to others.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, you should seek emergency medical care.

For children, the warning signs that need urgent medical care:
1. Fast breathing or trouble breathing
2. Bluish skin color
3. Not drinking enough fluids
4. Not waking up or not interacting
5. Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
6. Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
7. Fever with a rash

For adults, the warning signs that need urgent medical care:
1. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
2. Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
3. Sudden dizziness
4. Confusion
5. Severe or persistent vomiting

This information comes from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention Website. They also offer a Question and Answer fact sheet and postcast which address common questions about the swine flu like:
1. What is the Swine Flu
2. Signs and Symptoms
3. How its Transmitted
3. Treatments
4. What to do if you feel you are sick
5. How to protect yourself from getting sick

and much more, so check it out!

Need help locating a health care provider? Use our free health care provider locator tool. Our site contains quality data, user ratings, and much more.

*Information on WheretoFindCare.com is for informational purposes only. Always seek medical advice from your physician. In cases of emergency, seek care from an emergency health care provider.

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