Outbreak 09 Overview
The 2009 swine flu outbreak is an international public health emergency. The Influenza A H1N1 virus is currently rated at Phase 5 by the World Health Organization (WHO). This means that human-to-human spread of the virus has been confirmed in multiple countries within a single WHO region. Phase 5 indicates that a pandemic is imminent and the time to act is now.
The new strain of swine influenza A (H1N1) involved in the current outbreak in humans is a reassortment of several strains of influenza which can spread more efficiently from human-to-human than previously known swine H1N1 strains. In addition, all influenza vaccines for the southern and northern hemispheres, including that for the 2009/2010 flu season, are ineffective against the new strain.
While individuals infected with the swine flu virus have been found in 14 different countries, it is believe to have originated in Mexico (specifically in La Gloria, Veracruz). The first confirmed H1N1 flu case was identified by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on April 14, 2009 after a sample was received from California. The CDC, California Department of Public Health, Canadian Public Health Agency, and Mexican Health authorities continued to investigate similar cases for the next few days. On April 24th, the WHO issued an alert confirming that a number of people in both Mexico and the United States had been infected with the H1N1 influenza A swine flu virus. On April 26, six cases were confirmed in Canada. Over the next few days cases appear in numerous other locations including Spain, Scotland, Israel, New Zealand (11 cases), Costa Rica, Germany, Austria, and Peru. On April 27 the WHO issued a statement that containment of the outbreak is not feasible, and elevated its pandemic alert from Phase 3 to Phase 4. This was raised again from Phase 4 to Phase 5 on April 29 after it was determined that a pandemic is imminent. On April 30 cases were confirmed in the Netherlands, Peru, Switzerland, Ireland, Toronto, Nova Scotia (8 more), Alberta, and 4 additional cases in Delaware (USA).
Swine Flu Prevention
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Wash hands frequently with soap and water or with alcohol-based sanitizers, especially after being out in public.
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The CDC advises not touching the mouth, nose or eyes, as these are primary modes of transmission.
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There is no risk of flu transmission from the consumption of properly-cooked pork products.
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The previously recommended influenza vaccines for the southern and northern hemispheres, including that for the 2009/2010 flu season, are ineffective against the new strain.
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Mexican authorities are distributing surgical masks to the general public. Many authorities recommend the use of respirators by health-care workers in the vicinity of pandemic flu patients, in particular during aerosol generating procedures (e.g. intubation, chest physiotherapy, bronchoscopy).
Swine Flu Shirts
Black "I HAVE SWINE FLU" T-Shirt (100% cotton)
The best defense is a good offense. While surgical masks are excellent protection against swine flu, the only 100% effective method is to avoid contact completely. This shirt will send people running and will help minimize your exposure to people who may be unknowingly carrying the virus. Combine this with a surgical mask for maximum effect.
White "I HAVE SWINE FLU" T-Shirt (100% cotton)
The best defense is a good offense. While surgical masks are excellent protection against swine flu, the only 100% effective method is to avoid contact completely. This shirt will send people running and will help minimize your exposure to people who may be unknowingly carrying the virus. Combine this with a surgical mask for maximum effect.