04/28/09 9:30AM - The Florida Department of Health is Ready to Respond to Swine Flu
THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IS READY TO RESPOND TO SWINE FLU
TALLAHASSEE–While no cases have been identified in Florida at this time, cases of swine flu have been confirmed in the U.S., according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are an undetermined number of cases in Mexico reaching into the hundreds.

“This is a situation where we must all be on the alert,” said Dr. Ana Viamonte Ros, Florida’s State Surgeon General. “We have increased our surveillance and we’re telling doctors that since the flu season is waning, if they see patients with sudden onset high fever and a cough or sore throat, they should collect a specimen for testing.”

Dr. Viamonte Ros said the Florida Department of Health has a response plan and has put it into play. “Our state laboratories have the equipment necessary and our personnel are trained in identifying influenza samples. We have increased surveillance, alerted doctors and are working with our local health departments,” she said.

Florida has prepared for influenza events:
• All state laboratories have the facilities to safely identify influenza samples.
• The state has almost 100 sentinel physicians who report any unusual influenza like activity to DOH and the CDC.
• We have the ability to monitor the sale of over the counter drugs, as an early warning sign for increased influenza activity.

The State Surgeon General provided these recommendations:
• As always, people with respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community.
• Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.
• People experiencing cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their physician.
• If you think you have influenza, please call your health care provider and discuss whether you need to be seen in their office or emergency department or stay home.

Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food and a person cannot get swine influenza from eating pork products. The infections appear to spread from person to person. Drugs called antivirals can reduce the consequences of contracting the flu, if taken early.

Dr. Viamonte Ros said Florida is receiving frequent updates from the CDC, and is working with local health departments to monitor the situation and immediately follow up on any suspected cases. The CDC has created a Webpage with information at www.cdc.gov/swineflu .

The Florida Department of Health is ready to respond to this emerging event,” Dr. Viamonte Ros said. “We have plans in place for this kind of emergency.”

Posted 9:00 a.m. April 28, 2009
On April 26th, the United States declared a national public health emergency as the number of reported human cases of swine flu in the United States exceeded 20. There have been no reported cases of swine flu in Florida at this time. This is a precautionary notification.

Florida State University continues to operate under normal conditions. The University is open. Final exams are occurring this week as scheduled. All other events and activities, including Commencement exercises, are continuing as scheduled.

Thagard Student Health Center and FSU Emergency Management, along with the Leon County Health Department, Florida Department of Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are closely monitoring the situation to prepare us for any necessary changes in action.

While there are no specific university travel restrictions in place at this time, all those scheduled to travel in the near future should be aware of the health conditions occurring at their destination. FSU officials are working closely with FSU International Programs which are scheduled to begin as early as the first week of May. There are no FSU study abroad programs in Mexico.

Several relevant links are provided below which can give you more detailed, up-to-date information. Here are important things to remember to prevent you from catching the swine flu and other contagious illnesses:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then discard the tissue after use.
• Do not share eating or drinking utensils with others.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Alcohol-based hand cleaners can also be effective. These solutions must be wet on the skin for 20 – 30 seconds for optimal results.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you get sick, you should stay home from work or school and limit your contact with others to keep from infecting them.