What you should know about swine flu threat

The number of confirmed cases of swine flu in the U.S. doubled to 40 Monday, while the Chicago area still had no reported cases - but health officials say it's only a matter of time before we get some.

Seven suspected cases in Illinois were tested over the weekend, but all were negative.

In Mexico, 149 people had died from pneumonialike symptoms since April 13, though only 20 were confirmed as swine flu.

The World Health Organization Monday raised its global pandemic alert to the highest level since the warning system was adopted in 2005, saying the disease is no longer containable. U.S. officials recommend against nonessential travel to Mexico.

Locally, county agencies have been contacting hospitals and doctors, alerting them to be on the lookout for the flu. They're looking for people with flu symptoms who could have been exposed to the virus in Mexico or other affected areas.

So what should the public be doing about the problem? Suburban health agencies answer some questions:

Q: What are the symptoms of swine flu?

A: They're the same as for the common human flu: fever, cough, sore throat, chills, fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting. But Dr. Damon Arnold, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, said swine flu is far more aggressive and symptoms quickly become severe and can include trouble breathing.

Q: How do I know if I have swine flu?

A: Only a lab test can tell for sure. Medical providers can take a nasal swab and send it to state and federal authorities for testing.

Q: When should I see a doctor?

A: If you have the symptoms and have been to any of the affected areas in Mexico, the U.S. or elsewhere, you should be checked out.

Q: How do I protect myself?

A: Avoid close contact with anyone who's sick. Wash your hands frequently and use a hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available. Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.

Q: What if I'm sick?

A: Common flu is still circulating at low levels, so cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and throw the tissue away. If you don't have a tissue, cough in your sleeve, not your hands.

Q: Is swine flu treatable?

A: Yes, with prescription antivirals Tamiflu or Relenza (but it's resistant to two older medications).

Q: When should I take the medications?

A: Anyone suspected to have swine flu based on symptoms and exposure should take medication as soon as possible for five days. Household members who are at high risk, such as the elderly, children, and those with certain chronic medical conditions, should also take the antivirals as a precaution. Travelers to Mexico who are at risk because of age or chronic illness, border workers, and health workers exposed to infected individuals should also get treatment.

Q: Should I worry if I've been to Mexico?

A: Symptoms appear within 48 hours and the infectious period for swine flu is seven days after onset of symptoms, so if you've been back for a week, you're in the clear.

Q: Should I wear a mask?

A: A face mask, as commonly worn by medical workers, can block large droplets from a sneeze. It cannot protect against tiny airborne particles. To protect against very small particles which might contain viruses, you'd need a respirator, like the N95, most commonly used in construction, which is specially fitted against the face.

For now, Cook County's Chief medical officer, Dr. Linda Rae Murray, says masks are not necessary except for medical workers and those who are sick, to prevent others from getting infected.

Q: Do local hospitals have enough antiviral medication to treat a swine flu outbreak?

A: Supplies currently in hospitals and pharmacies would be wiped out quickly in an outbreak, Bill Mays of the Lake County Health Department says. In that case, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would likely release some of its stockpile of medications for treatment on a case-by-case basis. Illinois states it has "ample" supplies, though there's only enough medicine for a small percentage of the population. The medicine doesn't kill the virus, but shortens the time of illness and decreases its severity.

Q: Is there a vaccine?

A: No. The latest seasonal flu vaccine doesn't protect against swine flu. Researchers like Baxter Healthcare in Deerfield are looking into developing a vaccine, but there's no telling how long that might take.

Q: What should schools do?

A: Schools should be on the lookout for children or staff with flu symptoms, and send them home to monitor their condition. Notify health officials if absences exceed 10 percent.

Q: Who's most at risk?

A: Though this flu has affected people of all ages, the very young, old and sick are most at risk.

Q: Can I get swine flu from eating pork?

A: No.

Q: How do I prepare for a possible outbreak?

A: Officials recommend keeping on hand food, water and medical supplies to last at least two weeks.

Sources: Dr. Damon Arnold, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health; Dr. Linda Rae Murray, chief medical officer, Cook County Department of Public Health; David Hass, spokesman for the DuPage County Health Department; Paul Kuehnert, executive director for the Kane County Health Dept.; Bill Mays, Lake County Health Department; Patrick McNulty, public health administrator, McHenry County Department of Public Health; U.S. Centers for Disease Control; Daily Herald wire services.

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