Virus appears flu-like

Though no cases of the swine flu have been diagnosed in Louisiana, health care officials are warning residents about symptoms and preventative measures they can take to head off the spread of the virus.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by the type A influenza virus. Dr. Sandy Kemmerly, an infectious disease specialist at Ochsner Health System, said the flu does not normally infect humans, but they do occur.

Hundreds of cases in Mexico and nearly 20 in the United States – confirmed in New York, California, Kansas, Ohio and Texas – have come from human-to-human transmission of a strain of the swine flu.

However, health investigators say it is too early to determine how humans contracted the virus.

“Some of the cases right now involved people who have recently traveled to Mexico, which is believed to be the source of the virus,” Kemmerly said. “But, it is too early to determine if what’s going on in the U.S. is the same as what’s going on in Mexico.”

According to an Associated Press report, U.S. government officials have not issued warnings to people against traveling to Mexico or other countries where the flu has been found.

Residents should be aware that symptoms of the swine flu resemble those of regular flu, including sore throat, coughing, trouble breathing, fever and aches and pains.

Ochsner has partnered with the Centers for Disease Control to offer preventive tips against catching and spreading the flu, including frequent hand washing, and immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.

Kemmerly said since influenza is thought to spread from person-to-person through contact, people should avoid contact with other people if they feel sick, and cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing. The tissue should be properly disposed.

She also said avoid touching vital parts of the body like the eyes, nose and mouth because germs spread that way.

“These are new viruses with a gene makeup never seen before and will not be cured with the traditional influenza vaccine that most people received several months ago,” Kemmerly said. “There are treatments available, but patients must contact their physicians immediately if they begin experiencing fever or respiratory symptoms.”

The CDC did report that steps were already being taken to devise a vaccine against this strain of swine flu. However, the process takes time.

For more information about swine flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control Web site at www.cdc.gov or call 1-800-232-4636.