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SALT LAKE CITY -- The swine flu has quickly become a world health emergency, and Utah is no exception. Public health officials here say there are no documented cases in the state so far, but they expect that may change.
Health experts say Utah's health system is in a state of "heightened awareness" about the swine flu and the public should be as well.
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Swine Flu:
What questions do you have about the Swine Flu? We'll have health officials answer your questions.At Intermountain Medical Center (IMC), they've posted "Fight the Flu" signs telling people to cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and wash their hands. As a precaution, hospital staff is also asking patients with respiratory illnesses or symptoms, including cough, to wear a protective mask, and they're handing them out to people who ask.
"I'd probably be more worried if I knew more about it. It's just a small thing right now. It hasn't escalated, so [I'm] not so worried, just more concerned and curious about it," said Taylorsville resident Natalie Fitzhugh.
Specialists say there is a combination of symptoms people should look out for:
- Cough
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Runny nose
- Achiness
"We're telling people that if they do have those symptoms, don't go into work [and] make sure they wash their hands a lot," said Carrie Taylor, infectious disease control specialist at IMC.
Taylor said potential visitors who are sick are also being asked to stay away. "We don't' want illness spread in our hospital," she explained.
The state health department and a variety of hospitals and clinics report they are seeing an uptick in the number of people coming in with flu-like symptoms, but it's just slightly more than normal and certainly not presenting a strain on the system.
State health department preparing for the worst
Related:
Obama: Swine flu not a reason for 'alarm'
Pres. Obama said Monday that the threat of spreading swine flu infections is a cause for concern but "not a cause for alarm" as the U.S. undertook close border monitoring to contain it.The Utah Department of Health has asked for one-quarter of its share of anti-viral medication from the national stockpile. Spokesman Tom Hudachko says it should be here within the week.
"We want to be prepared, and we want to have the materials on hand should an outbreak occur," Hudachko said.
He says the department has asked all doctors in Utah to be on the lookout for patients with flu-like symptoms and report them.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, symptoms are similar to those of regular seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
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"The public should know that even though there aren't any cases of swine flu in the state, that public health officials and public safety officials across the state are implementing measures to protect them," Hudachko said.
Utahns are being told to visit a doctor if they are unusually ill. Also, they are urged to be cautious, wash their hands and stay home from school and work if they are sick.
State officials emphasize that it's not a time for alarm, just alertness.
LDS missionaries healthy and safe
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement saying it is "closely monitoring news, security and medical reports regarding the swine flu outbreak."
It says at the request of the Mexican government it has canceled all meetings until further notice.
It also reports "all missionaries in the affected areas are reported to be safe." [CLICK HERE to read the entire statement from the LDS Church]
Staying healthy
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Monday the CDC emphasized basic, well-known information to stay healthy.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
In the United States, 40 people in six states have contracted the swine flu. In Mexico it has sickened more than 1,000 and killed more than 100 people.
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Story compiled with information from John Daley, Mary Richards, Shara Park, and Andrew Adams.
