Why should you be concerned?

The swine flu is a new flu virus and people have little or no immunity. If this new flu virus begins to spread easily person-to-person, it could sweep across the country and around the world in a very short time. This would easily cause an influenza pandemic.

What should I do if I think I am sick?

• If you have a fever of 101.4 F or higher and one of the symptoms listed above, call your doctor or medical provider. Your doctor may have you come in for an appointment and test you for influenza. Your physician will decide whether influenza antiviral treatment is needed.

• If you're sick – stay home from work or school. It is important to limit contact with other people, so you don't spread germs to others.

• If you have flu symptoms and need to go to a medical appointment, use a surgical mask or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and throw the tissue in the trash afterward.

• If you are feeling sick and you don't have a fever, its best to stay home from work or school, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. If your symptoms get worse, call your physician or medical provider.

What can I do to prevent getting sick?

• Wash your hands with soap and hot water to get rid of germs and prevent the spread of the disease, especially after coughing and sneezing. If you do not have soap and water, use a waterless hand gel with an alcohol base of at least 60%.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue whenever you sneeze and cough. Throw the tissue away in a waste basket. If you do not have a tissue, sneeze or cough into the fold of your elbow, without using your hands.

• Avoid kissing or shaking hands when greeting people, and do not share food, drinks, or utensils. Keep common areas clean; places such as kitchen counters, bathrooms, door handles, toys, telephones and other household items.

• Allow fresh air to flow into your home or at work by opening screened windows and doors.

For more information: Swine flu information has been posted to the Public Health Department Web site: http://www.sccphd.org/. The Public Health Information line at 408.885.3980 is available to answer questions from Santa Clara County residents during regular business hours.

As a key partner, this information is being provided to you by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department to share with your key constituents. Please forward the attached information as necessary. FAQs are in English & Spanish. Below is the most current update on the local situation. Thank You.

Swine Flu Update –April 28, 2009 at 7:10 pm

Local Situation

At this time, there is one probable case of swine flu in Santa Clara County, a 16 year old girl who was never hospitalized and is at home recovering. As a probable case, the Santa Clara County Public Health Lab ran a PCR test on the submitted specimen sample. The sample was subsequently identified as influenza A but “probable” swine flu and is being sent to CDC for confirmation.

Currently, the Public Health Lab is testing or has tested a total of 34 specimens. The results of the tests are as follows:

• 10 have tested negative for swine flu
• 1 has resulted in a probable case
• 23 test results are pending and will be available tomorrow

With this probable case, the Health Officer has instructed public health nurses to begin contact investigation to determine who may have come in close contact with this person and exposed to the swine flu. These close contacts will be evaluated and appropriate action will be taken to limit the spread o this disease if determined to be necessary based on CDC guidelines.

If you have any questions, please call us at 794-0700.