City of Eudora Fire Department
Swine Flu Growth Raises Concerns
Due to the rising concern over the Swine Flu the City of Eudora Fire Department has created this informational page. Please click on any of the blue links to connect to sites bearing pertinent information.
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School District Preparedness:
An important part of community preparedness for flu outbreak is the planning done by the public school district. Eudora Schools leaders have collaborated with the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, as well as local community leaders, to develop a plan and set of procedures that will help students and staff stay healthy while maintaining the continuity of student learning to the greatest possible extent.
Go to www.eudoraschools.org/flu to read more about the school district's plan and what students and families can do to keep our students healthy all year long.
What is the Swine Flu?
Swine influenza (also swine flu) refers to influenza caused by any strain of the influenza virus endemic in pigs (swine). Strains endemic in swine are called swine influenza virus (SIV).
Swine flu is common in swine and rare in humans. People who work with swine, especially people with intense exposures, are at risk of catching swine influenza if the swine carry a strain able to infect humans. However, these strains rarely are able to pass from human to human. Rarely, SIV mutates into a form able to pass easily from human to human. The strain responsible for the 2009 swine flu outbreak is believed to have undergone such a mutation.
In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general, namely chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort. The strain responsible for the 2009 swine flu outbreak in most cases causes only mild symptoms and the infected person recovers fully in a few days.
Of the three genera of human flu, two are endemic also in swine: Influenzavirus A (common) and Influenzavirus C (rare). Influenzavirus B has not been reported in swine. Within Influenzavirus A and Influenzavirus C, the strains endemic to swine and humans are largely distinct.
Information courtesy of Wikipedia.
Swine Flu Information
For more information on the Swine Flu and how it effects Kansas, visit the Center for Disease Control, Kansas Department of Health, and the Douglas County Department of Emergency Management.
Steps you can take to prevent the spread of the Swine Flu (and other transmittable diseases):
The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.
Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Practice other good health habits.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
You can visit the CDC website for periodic updates and more information.
