Health care officials are warning people to take precautions against exposure to swine flu, but one local physician said the swine flu is no more dangerous to healthy individuals than any other strain of the virus.
"I haven't seen a single case" of the swine flu, said Dr. James Russell, a family practice physician at Family Medicine Associates of Blytheville. He has, however, seen two people with flu-like symptoms and has had them tested for flu. "The results aren't in yet," he said. One of the patients is a high school student and the other is an older man.
The flu, any strain, is particularly dangerous for the very old and the very young, according to information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "In seasonal flu, there are certain people that are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. This includes young children, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions and people 65 and older," the CDC Web site states.
So far, there have been no cases of swine flu reported in Arkansas, according to the Arkansas Department of Health. In fact, the number of cases in states surrounding Arkansas have been low. Missouri has one reported case, as does Tennessee. Texas has one of the largest numbers of cases reported, at 41, with the only death in the country being a 22-month old boy from Texas.
The most cases in the country have been reported from New York, with 73, according to the CDC.
A meeting last week of the Craighead/Poinsett counties Response Agencies, of which Mississippi County is a part, revealed that two types of flu virus are going around in Arkansas now, but neither is the swine flu, according to laboratory tests.
Both strains of the virus affect the stomach and resemble swine flu symptoms. More than 25 of those with flu were tested, and none tested positive for swine flu.
The flu is easily passed from person to person, especially in droplets when a sick person coughs or sneezes. Dr. Russell and all health-care professionals recommend frequent hand-washing to help cut down on the transmission of the virus.
"Basic hand-washing, even using those alcohol-based hand sanitizers will help," Russell said. His other advice? "Stay away from people who are sick."
That sentiment was echoed by other health-care professionals. The CDC urges people to stay informed and to be mindful of others who may be sick.
"Do not allow yourself to be closer than 6 to 8 feet to a sick person," the response agencies recommend. "Wear a mask whenever dealing with a person who appears to be ill."
Russell said he has seen some people wearing masks to help avoid catching the flu, which may help, but not anymore so than washing hands thoroughly and frequently.
The CDC also recommends consciously avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth, especially after you or another person coughs or sneezes.
Contrary to some opinions, it is not dangerous to eat pork, unless it is not properly cooked. "Swine influenza cannot be transmitted in food," stated an informational release from the ADH. "Properly cooked pork and pork products are safe to eat. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit kills all bacteria and viruses."
Two local industries, Roll Coater and Nucor Steel Arkansas have provided information to employees in an effort to keep the illness from spreading if it strikes. Both industries are reminding their employees to stay away from people who are sick and to wash hands frequently.
"Basically, we're just trying to educate everyone," said an employee of Nucor-Hickman.
If there are any outbreaks of flu in the area, there are two anti-viral medications that can be used to help lessen the symptoms, Russell said. The first is Tamiflu, an oral medication that has been very effective, he said. The other is called Relenza and is a nasal spray. Russell said he usually prescribes Tamiflu because it is easier to take.
For more information on the swine flu, go to www.cdc.gov/swineflu.
dhilton@blythevillecourier.com