Swine Flu Raised to Phase 5, Cautions for Individuals with Lung Disease
April 29, 2009
Washington, D.C.—With the news media crawling over updates on the recent swine flu cases, Dr. Robert A. Sandhaus states that there is “no cause for panic,” but it is important for those with lung diseases, such as COPD, to take precaution and avoid individuals with signs and symptoms of the flu. Such symptoms include:
Extreme tiredness
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Body aches
Though it is difficult to distinguish these symptoms from those of a common cold, a doctor’s exam can help make that distinction; tests can determine the type of flu if done within 2 or 3 days of the illness’ onset.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has been continuously keeping the public aware of proper preventative information that could help you and your family stay healthy as they continue to investigate the nature of the swine flu virus.
This afternoon, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the pandemic level to Phase 5: it is still not a pandemic, but human to human spreading of the disease is occurring in more than one country of one WHO region. In the U.S. there are only 91 laboratory-confirmed cases of swine flu, and as of this afternoon, one of those caused a death.
The CDC has implemented its emergency response, and the WHO Director-General Margaret Chan urged all countries to implement their pandemic emergency plan. Due to years of preparation for the avian flu, Chan said “the world is better prepared for an influenza pandemic than at any time in history.”
The CDC has also confirmed a vaccine is currently being developed though it may take several months to be developed.
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