안내 Swine Flu Communications / Maryland에서 장 일부

[정 세]

 

오랫만입니다.
물론 저희들보다 더 잘아실줄 압니다만 
제 아들Jang, Joel (GE, Corporate)이 보낸 mail이 
혹시 도움이 되었으면 합니다.
모두 모두 건강에 조심들 하십시요.  
With the recent breakout of Swine Flu, 
we wanted to ensure you all remained informed.  
Attached is an article that has just been posted on Inside GE, 
please take time to read it.  
I have also attached a flyer about how to stop spreading germs.  
Please take all necessary precautions to stay healthy. 
 If you get any flu-like symptons please do not spread 
to the rest of your team and make immediate appointment 
with healthcare provider and keep your HR and Manager notified.
Please note that our auditors have left Mexico 
and we will keep everyone notified of any developments 
in other areas/countries as and when we receive any updates.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
 
There is an outbreak of Swine influenza (Swine Flu) in Mexico City 
with clusters of cases in other towns in the US. 
Swine Flu is a group of influenza viruses that regularly cause influenza in pigs. 
Usually infections in humans are uncommon. 
The symptoms include fever, tiredness, sore throat and coughing. 
Human-to-human transmission of flu viruses can occur by “droplet” spread - 
when an infectious individual coughs, sneezes, talks or has hand-to-hand 
contact with an infected person (e.g. handshake).
 It can also spread if individuals touch surfaces that are contaminated 
with the flu virus and then touch their nose or mouth. 
Swine flu viruses cannot be transmitted by food. 
It is safe to eat pork and pork products that have been properly 
handled and/or sufficiently cooked. 
Public health officials in the US are investigating whether the illness is more widespread, 
and how it may have arisen. 
They have advised residents of affected states to take everyday precautions to prevent illness, 
and urged them to contact their healthcare providers if they develop flu-like symptoms.
The virus does respond to the newer antiviral medications oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). 
The seasonal influenza vaccination does not provide protection against the swine flu.
FAQs on this subject are enclosed.

What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a group of influenza viruses that causes flu in pigs. 
Usually infections in humans are uncommon.

What are the symptoms?
Early symptoms are similar to seasonal flu - cough, sore throat, high fever, 
headache, runny nose, general fatigue, and muscle pains. 
Vomiting and diarrhea have also been noted. 

How is this swine flu spreading?
It is most likely spreading from person to person through infectious 
respiratory droplets (droplets generated when a person coughs, sneezes or talks) 
and hand-to-hand contact.

How can I prevent getting it? 
Personal hygiene is critical. Wash your hands frequently, especially after 
using the bathroom and before meals. 
For additional hand washing information please go the CDC Hand Hygiene site. 
Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.

How can I prevent its spread?
Respiratory etiquette is important. If you need to cough or sneeze, 
cover your mouth with a tissue, mask, or hand. 
Do not go to public areas such as markets or theaters if you have respiratory symptoms and fever. 
If you have a fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C) with symptoms 
as above it is advisable that you consult your physician. 

What is the infectious period?
The infectious period for this strain is not confirmed. According to the US CDC, 
infected people should be considered potentially contagious: 
*One day before their symptoms start 
*Seven days after their symptoms start OR as long as they are still showing symptoms (whichever is longer) 
Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.



Is there a vaccine?
There is no specific vaccine against this swine flu.

Can swine flu be treated with antiviral medications?
Preliminary information indicates that the virus is sensitive to the newer antiviral medications oseltamivir (Tamiflu) 
and zanamivir (Relenza). It is resistant to the older medications amantadine and rimantidine.

Can I catch swine flu from eating pork or pork products?
No. 

Can I travel to Mexico?
There are travel restrictions in place. Please visit the travel center at http://travel.ge.com for information and updates. 
If you are required to undertake business critical travel, please consult your manager and follow the procedure laid 
down for such travel.


Should I take antiviral medication (Tamiflu) for prevention?
This is an individual decision, which should be made in consultation with your Doctor. 
Any time employees carry medication internationally, they should keep the original prescription 
with them and carry the medication in its original box.
Employees should consult a medical professional before using antiviral medication. 

Is there reason to panic?
No. It’s important that you follow the guidelines above. We will keep you updated on new developments. 

Where can I find additional information?
Here are a few useful links

International SOS http://urgent.internationalsos.com/default.aspx
CDC: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluUS.aspx