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Swine Flu: What It Is, How to Fight It
It's a common respiratory disease in pigs that doesn't usually spread
to people. When pigs catch this flu, many get quite sick, and 1% to 4% die, according to the World Health Organization. In
the past, people have sometimes caught swine flu if they worked directly with pigs.
The most common symptoms are fever, fatigue, lack of appetite and
coughing, although some people also develop a runny nose, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea, according to the CDC.
Stay home from work or school, to avoid spreading your illness to
other people. Don't get on an airplane. People should call their doctors to ask about the best treatment, but should not simply
show up at a clinic or hospital that is unprepared for their arrival. Students returning to school should bring
a doctor's note stating that he/she is well enough to attend classes.
As always, people should wash their hands frequently.
In the past, the CDC has said there isn't conclusive evidence to support using face masks. In a 2007 statement, the
CDC said that surgical masks could be worn if someone needs to go to a crowded place, such as a grocery store, for a
short time. N95 respirator masks filter out 95% of particles to prevent the wearer from breathing them in. These must be fitted
properly around the nose to create a seal, so they can make breathing difficult.
What is Dengue and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever?
Dengue is an arbovirus desease caused by any one of four closely related viruses that do not
provide cross-protective immunity; a person can be infected as many as four times, once with each serotype.
What are the Symtoms?
Classic dengue fever is characterized by acute onset of high fever, frontal headache, retro-orbtal
pain, nausea, vomiting, and often a maculopapular rash. In addition, many patients may notice a change in tast sensation.
The acute phase of up to 1 week is followed by a 1 to 2 week period of convalescence which is caracterized by weakness, mallaise,
and anorexia.
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever(DHF)/Dengue Shock Syndrome(DSS), a severe and sometimes fatal form
of dengue, may resembel classic dengue or other viral syndromes at first. Patients with DHF may have fever lasting 2
to 7 days and avariety of nonspecific signs and symptoms. At about the time the fever begins to subside, the patient
may become restless or lethargic, show signs of circulatory failure, and experience hemorrhagic manifestations. The
most common of these manifestations are skin hemorrhages such as petechiae, purpura, or ecchymoses, but may also include epistaxis,
bleeding gums, hematernesis, and melena. The condition of these patients may rapidly evolve into dengue shock syndrome,
which, if not immediately corrected, can lead to profound shock and death. Warning signs of DSS include severe
abdominal pain, protracted vomiting, marked change in temperature. Early signs of DSS include restlessness, cold clammy
skin, rapid weak pulse, and narrowing of pulse pressure and/or hypotension.
How is Dengue Transmitted?
Dengue viruses are transmitted from person to person by the Aedes aegypti mosquito in the domestic
environment. Periodic epidemics have occurred in the Western Hemisphere for over 200 years. In the past 20 years,
however, dengue transmission and frequency of epidemics have increased greatly in most tropical countries of the American
region.
How Can I Treat It?
Fortunately, DHF/DSS can be effectively managed by fluid replacement therapy,a nd if diagnosed
early, fatality rates can be kept below 1%. It is very important that physicians and other health care providers learn
to recognize this disease. Once a person acquires dengue, the key to survival is early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
To manage the pain and fever, patients suspected of having a dengue infection should be given acetaminophen preparations instead
of aspirin.
Steps to Prevent the Spread of Dengue:
1. Create awareness among the public.
2. Eliminate mosquito breeding sites around homes. Discard items that can collect rain
or run-off water, especially old tires and buckets.
3. Regularly change the water in outdoor bird baths and pet and animal water containers.
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord and the cerebrum.
It can be caused by a virus or bacteria. Meningitis caused by a virus is called Viral Meningitis. This type
is less threatening than Bacterial Meningitis, which can be very harmful and can lead to brain damage and even death.
What are the symptoms?
Fever, Headaches, Stiff Neck, Nausea, Vomiting, Sleepiness, Irritability, Disorientation, Chills
and Convulsions.
Is it very serious?
Both Viral and Bacterial Meningitis have the same signs and symptoms. For this reason
it is very important that if you think your child has meningitis to take him/her to the doctor as soon as possible.
Normally, the signs of symptoms of Viral Meningitis will last between 7-10 days.
How is Meningitis Transmitted?
By hand to hand contact, and by touching objects or items that have been contaminated with
feces and saliva from the infected person.
Steps to Prevent the Spread of Meningitis:
1. Wash your hands well with soap and water frequently.
2. Do not share eating utensils such as: spoons, forks, or cups.
3. Do not share drinks from a bottle or a can.
4. Parents, please enforce these steps with your child(ren). Make certain
that they comply with these measures at home and at school.
What is Gastroenteritis:
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach and small intestines.
It is highly contagious, and is most prevalent between the months of December and April. School age children are highly
susceptible.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea. The person affected may also have fever,
and headaches. Symptoms may last 10 days. If left untreated they may suffer electrolyte imbalance, and complications
that may require hospitalization. Gastroenteritis can be transmitted from person to person.
How do I prevent the spread of Gastroenteritis?
Students with the abovementioned symptoms are not allowed to attend school.
Parents must take their child their doctor immediately. If the child is diagnoseded with Gastroenteritis, he/she must
stay home and only return to school with a written permission slip from their doctor.
The Department of Health recommends:
- Good hand washing with plenty of soap and water for 15 seconds, especially before eatng,
after using bathroom, and playing outside.
- Not sharing eatng utensils, such as spoons, forks, straws, and soda cans.
- Clean and disinfect contaminated areas and clothing with a solution containing Clorox.
*Please remember that CCS must protect the well-being of every student, so therefore,
it is necessary to leave your child(ren) home if he/she is sick. If the illness is contagious, your child's
doctor must write a note for the teacher with a date of when the child will be able to return to school.
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