American Lung Association Offers Simple Tips to Protect Public
Health and Minimize H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and Seasonal Flu Transmission
Editor’s Note: Medical expert available to discuss
key steps people can take to prevent the spread of influenza in addition
to providing guidance for people with chronic lung disease.
Washington, D.C. (May 4, 2009)— As the confirmed
number of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) cases grows in the United States, public
concern understandably grows. The American Lung Association wishes to ease
public concern by offering proven advice on how to prevent the spread of
contagious respiratory illnesses ranging from the common cold to H1N1 Flu
(Swine Flu).
“The American Lung Association has been helping
America respond to lung disease for more than 100 years now,” said
Stephen J. Nolan American Lung Association National Board Chair. “We are
closely following this rapidly developing issue and have assembled
information and resources on our website located at www.lungusa.org to
help the public stay informed and to learn how to best protect themselves
while preventing the spread of infection.”
“Good hygiene is the best and first line of defense
against any type of cold or flu,” said Norman H. Edelman, MD, American
Lung Association Chief Medical Officer. “This includes frequent hand
washing and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing.”
The American Lung Association advises that hand
washing is most effective with liquid soap. Hands should be rubbed
vigorously under running water of any temperature for at least 20 seconds.
Consider singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice in your head to
ensure hands are scrubbed long enough. Hands should be dried thoroughly
before coming in contact with anything such as door knobs and even the
faucet.
Carrying an alcohol based hand sanitizer is a useful
alternative to hand washing when soap and water are not available.
“Take care to avoid touching your eyes, nose or
mouth,” advised Dr. Edelman. “This is one way in which germs are
easily spread. Avoiding close contact with sick people is another key line
of defense.”
It is important to be aware of flu symptoms so that
precautionary measures can be taken if illness occurs.
H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) presents symptoms similar to seasonal flu such
as fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, body aches and pains and
has not been reported to be any more severe than the common flu. Anyone
who experiences mild symptoms is advised to stay at home to best prevent
the spread of illness to others. However, those with more severe symptoms
are urged to contact their health care provider; particularly if symptoms
appear after having contact with someone who has recently traveled to
Mexico.
While there is currently no vaccine for the H1N1
strain of the influenza virus, it is still important that people receive
their annual influenza vaccination. Seasonal influenza and its
complications are responsible for an average of 226,000 hospitalizations
and 36,000 deaths in the United States each year. That’s significantly
more than the number of confirmed swine flu cases reported worldwide at
the time of this writing.
While H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) is serious and preventive
measures should be a top priority, it is important to keep in mind that
the Centers for Disease Control have confirmed that anti-viral drugs such
as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are effective against
swine flu.
Additional information on influenza can be found on
the American Lung Association’s website at: www.lungusa.org.
About the American Lung Association: Now in its
second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization
working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung
disease. With your generous
support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through
research, education and advocacy. For
more information about the American Lung Association, a Charity Navigator
Four Star Charity and holder of the better Business Bureau Wise Giving
Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA
(1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungusa.org.
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