Read this article from the Center for Disease Control regarding the recent Swine Flu outbreak. Coverplay slipcovers for pack and plays will help protect your child from coming in contact with the virus.
From the Centers for Disease Control
In response to an intensifying outbreak in the United States and internationally caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin, the World Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 5 on April 29, 2009. A Phase 5 alert is a “strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short.”
The United States Government has declared a public health emergency in the United States. CDC’s response goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this emergency. CDC is issuing and updating interim guidance daily in response to the rapidly evolving situation. CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) continues to send antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak. The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. In addition, the Federal Government and manufacturers have begun the process of developing a vaccine against this new virus.
Each year in the United States, on average:
- More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications.
- 20,000 of those hospitalized are children younger than 5 years old.
- 36,000 people die from flu.
Swine Flu
- Of those cases that have been contracted here in the United States, there have been no severe illnesses.
- The media reported today (4/29) that one young toddler in Texas who contracted the flu virus in Mexico has died due to complications.
- As of 4/28 there have been 5 flu cases in San Diego County. Three of these cases were children, all had mild symptoms; 2 of these were ill at the end of March.
- Current (4/29) total confirmed cases for this specific flu in the United States is 91.
- This specific flu is responsive to prescription antiviral medication.
- Flu is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- Center for Disease Control recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Flu like illness- defined as a temperature >100F, and cough and/or sore throat, lethargy.
Prevention
- To prevent transmission first and most important: wash your hands. Stay in good health with plenty of sleep, nutritious food, managing stress…
- Over the counter medication, such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, cough syrup, are all reasonable and can be effective in dealing with flu symptoms. It is important to stay well hydrated and nourished.
- Limiting contact with others if you become ill is critical.
- Make sure to use Coverplay slipcovers on your child’s Pack ‘n Play to prevent the spread of the virus.
