11:38
This chat begins at noon. We're looking forward to answering your questions! 12:01
Welcome to our first House Call webchat. Feel free to ask us your questions about swine flu. Members of ProHealth Care's Infection Control staff are on hand! 12:03
[Comment From Jeff ] I've heard the swine flu virus can't survive past 8 hours on surfaces -- like desks, tables. Is that true? 12:07
Most influenza viruses do have the ability to live for a period of time on environmental surfaces. The CDC does not know conclusively how long this particular virus can live. At this time the CDC recommends routine surface cleaning. 12:08
[Comment From Ann ] Are there any other viruses going around. My whole family was just sick with different problems. Daughter ran a low grade fever and nasal congestion. I had a severe headache and stomach issues. My husband has stomach issues and a fever. We were all better within a few days. 12:11
At this time, seasonal human influenza is tapering off as have other seasonal respiratory viruses such as RSV. However, viruses can be present all year round. We have seen no other predominant virus at this time. 12:12
[Comment From Ann ] Can you have it without the fever? 12:15
In some instances there have been patients who did not present with a fever. However, most patients have presented with a fever. To help clinicians recognize this influenza they are looking for a combination of symptoms in patients. Usually 2 or more the following: fever > 100 degrees, headache, body ache, cough, congestion or other respiratory symptoms. 12:16
[Comment From mary ] is hives associated with the virus? 12:17
Hives or rash have not been recognized as a symptom of this virus. 12:18
[Comment From Mike from Muskego ] Are we past the whole swine flu thing? Has it calmed down? 12:20
Public awareness and quick response has been instrumental in limiting thus far the degree and severity of illness in the Unites States. However, vigilance and continued awareness is still extremely important. 12:22
[Comment From Meeps ] what do you do when you have all the symptoms........call the doctor..go in and see the doctor then they never test you for the virus?? I know we had/have the flu 12:24
The most important thing is that you are improving. Over the last week, parameters for testing has changed. In some instances, testing is most recommended for those with chronic or underlying disease. 12:25
[Comment From Anthony ] Is there still a risk when traveling by plane? What precautions should I take? 12:29
At this time, there is no recommendation to avoid travel. However, general hygiene principles and practices are ALWAYS advisable such as frequent cleaning of your hands, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Most commercial airplanes commonly utilize highly filtered air for their passengers. 12:30
[Comment From Jodi ] Is the media blowing this out of proportion? 12:34
The media has been helpful in sharing and communicating CDC recommendations and contributed to the quick reaction to lessen the severity of the spread. Due to the number of media outlets, coverage can often seem overwhelming. 12:35
This chat begins at noon. We're looking forward to answering your questions! 12:01
Welcome to our first House Call webchat. Feel free to ask us your questions about swine flu. Members of ProHealth Care's Infection Control staff are on hand! 12:03
[Comment From Jeff ] I've heard the swine flu virus can't survive past 8 hours on surfaces -- like desks, tables. Is that true? 12:07
Most influenza viruses do have the ability to live for a period of time on environmental surfaces. The CDC does not know conclusively how long this particular virus can live. At this time the CDC recommends routine surface cleaning. 12:08
[Comment From Ann ] Are there any other viruses going around. My whole family was just sick with different problems. Daughter ran a low grade fever and nasal congestion. I had a severe headache and stomach issues. My husband has stomach issues and a fever. We were all better within a few days. 12:11
At this time, seasonal human influenza is tapering off as have other seasonal respiratory viruses such as RSV. However, viruses can be present all year round. We have seen no other predominant virus at this time. 12:12
[Comment From Ann ] Can you have it without the fever? 12:15
In some instances there have been patients who did not present with a fever. However, most patients have presented with a fever. To help clinicians recognize this influenza they are looking for a combination of symptoms in patients. Usually 2 or more the following: fever > 100 degrees, headache, body ache, cough, congestion or other respiratory symptoms. 12:16
[Comment From mary ] is hives associated with the virus? 12:17
Hives or rash have not been recognized as a symptom of this virus. 12:18
[Comment From Mike from Muskego ] Are we past the whole swine flu thing? Has it calmed down? 12:20
Public awareness and quick response has been instrumental in limiting thus far the degree and severity of illness in the Unites States. However, vigilance and continued awareness is still extremely important. 12:22
[Comment From Meeps ] what do you do when you have all the symptoms........call the doctor..go in and see the doctor then they never test you for the virus?? I know we had/have the flu 12:24
The most important thing is that you are improving. Over the last week, parameters for testing has changed. In some instances, testing is most recommended for those with chronic or underlying disease. 12:25
[Comment From Anthony ] Is there still a risk when traveling by plane? What precautions should I take? 12:29
At this time, there is no recommendation to avoid travel. However, general hygiene principles and practices are ALWAYS advisable such as frequent cleaning of your hands, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Most commercial airplanes commonly utilize highly filtered air for their passengers. 12:30
[Comment From Jodi ] Is the media blowing this out of proportion? 12:34
The media has been helpful in sharing and communicating CDC recommendations and contributed to the quick reaction to lessen the severity of the spread. Due to the number of media outlets, coverage can often seem overwhelming. 12:35
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