Three "Possible" Cases of Swine Flu in Belize

Dr. Javier Zuniga has confirmed that there are No confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Belize, but there are three possible cases that have been sent to Trinidad for testing and confirmation. One of these cases has been recorded in San Pedro in which the patient is showing the symptoms of the Swine Flu and has recently arrived from Mexico. This not to say that there is Swine Flu on the Island. Doctors urge all resident to visit their physicians as soon as they start exhibiting flu-like symptoms. As soon as we get any updates from Dr. Zuniga, we will be informing our readers of the current Swine Flu situation.

Symptoms

*The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have stated that the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of other strains of human flu, including fever over 38°C/100.4°F, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A few patients have reported that they also suffered from diarrhea and vomiting.

*The symptoms and transmission of the swine flu from human to human is much like seasonal flu, commonly fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It is believed to be spread between humans through coughing or sneezing of infected people and touching something with the virus on it and then touching their own nose or mouth.

* Swine flu cannot be spread by pork products, since the virus is not transmitted through food. The swine flu in humans is most contagious during the first five days of the illness although some people, most commonly children, can remain contagious for up to ten days.

Prevention

*Recommendations to prevent infection by the virus consist of the standard personal precautions against influenza. This includes frequent washing of hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially after being out in-public. People should avoid touching their mouth, nose or eyes with their hands unless they've washed their hands. If people do cough, they should either cough into a tissue and throw it in the garbage immediately, cough into their elbow, or, if they cough in their hand, they should wash their hands immediately. Avoid places where there are lots of people like, super markets, malls, clinics, etc… if you have to go to these places it is recommended to wear surgical mask and wash hands after coming back from these places.