by Effie Moore Salem

Created on: May 04, 2009

Swine flu is contained by isolation, by rigid sanitation methods and by lack of exposure and by proper medication. Mexico, the origin of the present swine influenza outbreak is lowering its rapid infection rate by being cautious and by closing school and governmental offices and by having the people wear masks.

At this writing, Monday, May, 4, 2009 at five in the morning, the news is that in Mexico the flu is slowing but is rapidly advancing in the United States. The severity, however, is not as severe as it has been in Mexico and there are no other deaths reported, only that one toddler in Texas who was visiting from Mexico. One Headline reads, an AP report from Mexico City: "Swine flu spreads, Global cases grow but cases declining in Mexico". In fact they are thinking of reopening schools and businesses that have been closed.

In the United States there are now 245 confirmed cases in 35 states. This is up from Saturday which lists 160; 568 people were ill but are recovering or have recovered. Mexican health authorities report that in all, 22 swine flue deaths have occurred. They believe their immediate isolation methods have helped in assuring the number has not been higher.

Protective clothing, masks, goggles and other protective measures help in keeping the virus from spreading. All this has been effective since no reports of Mexican health care workers becoming infected has been reported. Measures to assure that the A H1N1 virus strain does no infect others, the rest of the world is not exactly welcoming to Mexicans traveling in their countries. Nothing personal against the Country of Mexico, or the visitors, only unwelcome notices to the influenza virus has some countries taking drastic measures.

Isolation has been the standard way of keeping infectious bacteria and viruses contained for years and years. It not unusual to see hospitals isolating such cases. The scenario goes something like this. The patient is alone in a room. No one, except health workers come in. The patient cannot go out. Protective clothing must be worn by caretakers and all dishes, utensils and everything used by the patient must be separately sterilized. In other words when entering the world of the isolated, you must wear masks and protective clothing when entering and remove these when leaving. Learned procedures on how to do this without contamination is a part of a health care workers training.

What also seem to be working in containing the swine flu virus are the two antiviral medications that are being given. The best known one and the one often used is Tamiflu, a Roche medication. This is carefully monitored however and is not overly used. The medical community is keenly aware that overuse of this medication will result in antibiotic resistance. These apparently go to work rapidly in defense against the toxins.

The best advice is to slow down cancel travel plans that are not essential. If sick stay home and don't risk infecting others at work. Don't overdo the emergency room bit out of fear but do check with your family doctor. They will advise.

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