| You have all undoubtedly heard all the recent | | | | symptoms of swine flue. The Center for Disease |
| news about swine flu-but have you thought about | | | | Control is constantly updating their site, but the |
| what it means for the seniors in your life, your | | | | current guidelines and information about swine flu |
| aging parents or you as a caregiver? To date, | | | | for caregivers is as follows: |
| almost all cases in the North America have been | | | | Swine flu's symptoms resemble those of seasonal |
| mild and the chances of contracting swine flu are | | | | flu-fever, sore throat, cough, congestion, chills, |
| still remote. Just yesterday, President Obama | | | | headache, body aches and fatigue. Some patients |
| released this official statement: "We are closely | | | | also report diarrhea and vomiting. |
| monitoring the emerging cases of swine flu in the | | | | If you have symptoms, see your doctor or visit |
| United States. This is obviously the cause for | | | | a community clinic. A medical provider's diagnosis |
| concern and requires a heightened state of alert, | | | | is important and prescription antiviral drugs are |
| but it's not a cause for alarm." | | | | most effective when taken within 48 hours of |
| However, according to the World Health | | | | the appearance of symptoms. |
| Organization, the number of confirmed cases of | | | | If you are ill, avoid travel and do not go to work |
| swine flu worldwide increased to 236 on | | | | or school. |
| Thursday; this is a substantial increase from the | | | | Wash your hands often with soap and warm |
| previous day's total of 147. Anyone with an aging | | | | water for at least 20 seconds or use |
| parent or a senior in their life, including all certified | | | | alcohol-based cleaners and hand sanitizers. |
| care managers, should be concerned about the | | | | Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when |
| recent swine flu pandemic and the potential risks | | | | you cough or sneeze, and then discard the tissue. |
| for seniors. | | | | Or if necessary, use your upper sleeve-not your |
| This group is at particular risk due to difficulties | | | | hands. |
| recovering if exposed. It is very important to | | | | If you're healthy, wash your hands often and |
| ensure that all home health aides are educated | | | | avoid ill people. The flu's incubation period is 24 to |
| about swine flu Prevention Guidelines as prescribed | | | | 48 hours. |
| by the CDC Center for Disease Control(CDC). | | | | Make certain to follow any new developments |
| Obtaining relevant information from all active | | | | regarding public health advice, such as avoiding |
| caregivers, including recent travels and | | | | crowds. |
| experienced flu symptoms, is a key component | | | | Develop an emergency plan. Your plan should |
| of prevention. | | | | include maintaining a supply of food, medicines, |
| There are steps that professional and family | | | | facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other |
| caregivers as well as the community at large can | | | | essentials. |
| take to decrease exposure and combat | | | | |