Dear Vet, You have 10 years to use your Montgomery GI Bill benefits.
Once you have separated from the service you have 10 years to use all of your benefits. Although separating from service "starts the clock" on your 10-year time limit, you should know that if you rejoin active-duty service for more than 90 days, during the 10- year period, your 10-year clock is reset. In other words, you get 10 years from your last discharge.
Almost 70% of funds are never used. Now with the stimulus program signed by Obama the Vets were forgotten. These funds could have been reactivated, enabling Vets to retrain and hone their skills to find work. A bill in 2007 attempting to do so never got to a vote. Please push your Congressmen and Senators to look at this Bill pasted below.
Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007 (Introduced in Senate)
S 1261 IS
110th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1261
To amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to repeal the 10-year limit on use of Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance benefits, and for other purposes.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 1, 2007
Ms. CANTWELL (for herself, Mr. HARKIN, and Mr. BROWN) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
A BILL
To amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to repeal the 10-year limit on use of Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance benefits, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007'.
SEC. 2. REPEAL OF 10-YEAR LIMIT ON USE OF VETERANS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE BENEFITS.
(a) Restatement of Certain Continuing Authorities With Repeal- Section 3031 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
`Sec. 3031. Extension of entitlement expiring during quarter or semester or after completion of major portion of course
`(a) If an individual eligible for educational assistance under this chapter is enrolled in an educational institution regularly operated on the quarter or semester system and the period of such individual's entitlement under this chapter would, under section 3013 of this title, expire during such quarter or semester, such period shall be extended to the end of such quarter or semester.
`(b) If an individual eligible for educational assistance under this chapter is enrolled in an educational institution not regularly operated on the quarter or semester system and the period of such individual's entitlement under this chapter would, under section 3013 of this title, expire after a major portion of the course is completed, such period shall be extended to the end of the course or for 12 weeks, whichever is the lesser period of extension.'.
(b) Conforming Amendments- Chapter 30 of such title is further amended as follows:
(1) In section 3018C(e)(3)(B)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking `(i)'; and
(B) by striking clause (ii).
(2) In section 3020--
(A) in subsection (f)(1), by striking `Subject to the time limitation for use of entitlement under section 3031 of this title, an individual' and inserting `An individual'; and
(B) in subsection (h)(5), by striking `Notwithstanding section 3031 of this title, a child' and inserting `A child'.
(c) Clerical Amendments-
(1) HEADING AMENDMENT- The heading of subchapter IV of chapter 30 of such title is amended to read as follows:
`SUBCHAPTER IV--GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS'.
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENTS- The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 30 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to subchapter IV and the item relating to section 3031 and inserting the following new items:
`subchapter iv--general and administrative provisions
`3031. Extension of entitlement expiring during quarter or semester or after completion of major portion of course.'.
SEC. 3. REPEAL OF 14-YEAR LIMIT ON USE OF SELECTED RESERVE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE BENEFITS.
(a) Repeal- Section 16133 of title 10, United States Code, is repealed.
(b) Clerical Amendment- The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 1606 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 16133.
SEC. 4. REPEAL OF TIME LIMITATION ON USE BY DISABLED MEMBERS OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR RESERVE COMPONENT MEMBERS SUPPORTING CONTINGENCY AND OTHER OPERATIONS.
Subsection (b) of section 16164 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
'(b) Entitlement of Disabled Members- (1) The maximum number of months of educational assistance under this chapter to which is entitled a person who is separated from the Ready Reserve because of a disability which was not the result of the person's own wilful misconduct incurred on or after the date on which the person became entitled to educational assistance under this chapter shall be governed by section 16162(d) of this title.
'(2) The provisions of section 3031 of title 38 shall apply to the entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter of a person covered by paragraph (1).'
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Immune system and fighting the flu.
How well protected are you against the common cold and flu? Even if you've had a flu jab, you need to wash your hands religiously and take vitamin C for extra insurance. You may even want to try the herb echinacea when you first start feeling grotty. Remember also that what you eat may help prevent or treat these common illnesses. Try the tasty ideas below, and you just may avoid getting sick this season.
1. Chicken soupIt’s been called nature’s penicillin and is at the top of the list for its curative powers. Hot chicken soup helps clear clogged airways, and the nourishing broth will give you more energy. Add plenty of vegetables, including onion and garlic, for extra healing power.
2. Hot and spicy foodSome people swear by garlic, horseradish, chillis or spicy sauces to help ease congestion. Cook Indian or other ethnic foods that contain these ingredients, or simply add a spicy sauce to foods for extra zip.
3. GarlicThis fragrant bulb contains a flavoring agent called alliin which acts as a decongestant. Garlic is also believed to act as an antioxidant and destroy free-radicals, the active oxygen molecules that damage cells, so add garlic liberally to your favourite foods.
4. FluidsStay hydrated with plenty of liquids. Instead of coffee, fizzy or sweetened drinks, have plenty of water and pure fruit juices. Hot beverages work better for some people, so consider chamomile or peppermint herbal tea, or sip on hot water with a slice of lemon.
5. Citrus fruitsReach for citrus fruits to increase your vitamin C intake. Drink orange juice for breakfast, snack on half a grapefruit, or add tangerine slices to a lunchtime salad. Getting an increased amount of vitamin C is especially important if you smoke, as smoking increases both your risk of catching a cold and your body's need for this protective vitamin.
6. Vitamin C sourcesCitrus fruits aren't the only foods high in vitamin C. Potatoes, green peppers, strawberries and pineapple can help as your daily cold-fighting food arsenal.
7. GingerMany people find fresh ginger root helps treat the coughing and fever that often accompany colds and flu. Try making a ginger tea: Pour a cup of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
RememberA daily routine of high-fat, high-sugar junk foods, skipped meals and lots of caffeine can make you more susceptible to minor illnesses like colds and flu. Instead, make sure you eat plenty of whole grains, fruit, vegetables and low-fat protein to keep your immune system strong. Think of nutritious foods as part of your cold-and-flu armour, and you'll be ready to do battle whenever illness strikes.
Eat immune-boosting foods on a daily basis. A healthy diet, including a few proven immune-boosting foods, is one of the best ways to avoid catching the flu. The best flu-fighting foods are:
Fresh, organically grown fruits and vegetables - Brightly colored fruits and vegetables are packed with healthy phytonutrients that can strengthen your immune system, lowering your susceptibility to the flu virus.
Fresh raw or lightly-cooked garlic - Garlic has strong natural antiviral properties that can help to fight off a flu virus. Also, garlic provides a strong boost to your immune system, especially when eaten on a regular basis.
Green Tea - Like garlic, green tea has shown the ability to both kill viruses and to stimulate the immune system to fight off flu infections, especially when used daily. Try to drink 3-6 cups of strong green tea per day during the flu season.
Cayenne Pepper - Cayenne has a long list of health benefits and is believed to be a mild immune-booster. Also, cayenne contains large amounts of natural vitamin A, considered to be an important "anti-infection" nutrient.
1. Chicken soupIt’s been called nature’s penicillin and is at the top of the list for its curative powers. Hot chicken soup helps clear clogged airways, and the nourishing broth will give you more energy. Add plenty of vegetables, including onion and garlic, for extra healing power.
2. Hot and spicy foodSome people swear by garlic, horseradish, chillis or spicy sauces to help ease congestion. Cook Indian or other ethnic foods that contain these ingredients, or simply add a spicy sauce to foods for extra zip.
3. GarlicThis fragrant bulb contains a flavoring agent called alliin which acts as a decongestant. Garlic is also believed to act as an antioxidant and destroy free-radicals, the active oxygen molecules that damage cells, so add garlic liberally to your favourite foods.
4. FluidsStay hydrated with plenty of liquids. Instead of coffee, fizzy or sweetened drinks, have plenty of water and pure fruit juices. Hot beverages work better for some people, so consider chamomile or peppermint herbal tea, or sip on hot water with a slice of lemon.
5. Citrus fruitsReach for citrus fruits to increase your vitamin C intake. Drink orange juice for breakfast, snack on half a grapefruit, or add tangerine slices to a lunchtime salad. Getting an increased amount of vitamin C is especially important if you smoke, as smoking increases both your risk of catching a cold and your body's need for this protective vitamin.
6. Vitamin C sourcesCitrus fruits aren't the only foods high in vitamin C. Potatoes, green peppers, strawberries and pineapple can help as your daily cold-fighting food arsenal.
7. GingerMany people find fresh ginger root helps treat the coughing and fever that often accompany colds and flu. Try making a ginger tea: Pour a cup of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
RememberA daily routine of high-fat, high-sugar junk foods, skipped meals and lots of caffeine can make you more susceptible to minor illnesses like colds and flu. Instead, make sure you eat plenty of whole grains, fruit, vegetables and low-fat protein to keep your immune system strong. Think of nutritious foods as part of your cold-and-flu armour, and you'll be ready to do battle whenever illness strikes.
Eat immune-boosting foods on a daily basis. A healthy diet, including a few proven immune-boosting foods, is one of the best ways to avoid catching the flu. The best flu-fighting foods are:
Fresh, organically grown fruits and vegetables - Brightly colored fruits and vegetables are packed with healthy phytonutrients that can strengthen your immune system, lowering your susceptibility to the flu virus.
Fresh raw or lightly-cooked garlic - Garlic has strong natural antiviral properties that can help to fight off a flu virus. Also, garlic provides a strong boost to your immune system, especially when eaten on a regular basis.
Green Tea - Like garlic, green tea has shown the ability to both kill viruses and to stimulate the immune system to fight off flu infections, especially when used daily. Try to drink 3-6 cups of strong green tea per day during the flu season.
Cayenne Pepper - Cayenne has a long list of health benefits and is believed to be a mild immune-booster. Also, cayenne contains large amounts of natural vitamin A, considered to be an important "anti-infection" nutrient.
Swine Flu Update 4/29
Swine Influenza (Flu)
Swine Flu website last updated April 29, 11:00 AM ET
U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection(As of April 29, 2009, 11:00 AM ET)
International Human Cases of Swine Flu InfectionSee: World Health Organization
The outbreak of disease in people caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, CDC reports additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation’s first fatality from this outbreak. The more recent illnesses and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the U.S. Most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths are expected in the coming days and weeks.
CDC has implemented its emergency response. The agency’s goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by the new virus. Yesterday, CDC issued new interim guidance for clinicians on how to care for children and pregnant women who may be infected with this virus. Young children and pregnant women are two groups of people who are at high risk of serious complications from seasonal influenza. In addition, CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) continues to send antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak. The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available.
States /# of laboratory confirmed cases/Deaths
Arizona 1/0
California 14/0
Indiana 1/0
Kansas 2/0
Massachusetts 2/0
Michigan 2/0
Nevada 1/0
New York City 51/0
Ohio 1/0
Texas 16/1
TOTAL COUNTS
91 cases
1 death
Swine Flu website last updated April 29, 11:00 AM ET
U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection(As of April 29, 2009, 11:00 AM ET)
International Human Cases of Swine Flu InfectionSee: World Health Organization
The outbreak of disease in people caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, CDC reports additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation’s first fatality from this outbreak. The more recent illnesses and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the U.S. Most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths are expected in the coming days and weeks.
CDC has implemented its emergency response. The agency’s goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by the new virus. Yesterday, CDC issued new interim guidance for clinicians on how to care for children and pregnant women who may be infected with this virus. Young children and pregnant women are two groups of people who are at high risk of serious complications from seasonal influenza. In addition, CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) continues to send antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak. The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available.
States /# of laboratory confirmed cases/Deaths
Arizona 1/0
California 14/0
Indiana 1/0
Kansas 2/0
Massachusetts 2/0
Michigan 2/0
Nevada 1/0
New York City 51/0
Ohio 1/0
Texas 16/1
TOTAL COUNTS
91 cases
1 death
CDC Update
Swine Flu Update
With the recent outbreak of swine influenza, you are provided with updated information for you to share with your employees. As this is a rapidly evolving situation, the CDC will provide updated guidance and new information on their website, as information becomes available.
Swine Flu Update
Please see below for an update as to the progression of Swine flu in the U.S. Keep in mind there are vaccines available to be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza however, there is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses which are currently circulating.
Situation in the United States
As of 11:00 AM ET on April 28, 2009, CDC has confirmed 64 human cases of swine flu in the United States:
California: 10 cases
Kansas: 2 cases
New York City: 45 cases
Ohio: 1 case
Texas: 6 cases
For more information, please see the CDC Swine Flu website or visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu or call 1-800-232-4636.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
There are everyday actions people can take 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. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
With the recent outbreak of swine influenza, you are provided with updated information for you to share with your employees. As this is a rapidly evolving situation, the CDC will provide updated guidance and new information on their website, as information becomes available.
Swine Flu Update
Please see below for an update as to the progression of Swine flu in the U.S. Keep in mind there are vaccines available to be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza however, there is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses which are currently circulating.
Situation in the United States
As of 11:00 AM ET on April 28, 2009, CDC has confirmed 64 human cases of swine flu in the United States:
California: 10 cases
Kansas: 2 cases
New York City: 45 cases
Ohio: 1 case
Texas: 6 cases
For more information, please see the CDC Swine Flu website or visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu or call 1-800-232-4636.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
There are everyday actions people can take 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. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Swine Flu FAQ
FAQ on the Swine Flu
Swine Flu — Get Informed. Be Prepared.
What is swine flu? Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen.
Is this swine flu virus contagious? The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people? The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How does swine flu spread? Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What should I do to keep from getting the flu? First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try to not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms).
How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How long can viruses live outside the body?We know that some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza:
§ 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 hand cleaners are also effective.
§ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
§ Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
§ If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
What is the best way to keep from spreading?If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?Wash with warm soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. It is recommended that when you wash your hands for at least 15 to 20 seconds.
What should I do if I get sick?If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact your health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
§ Fast breathing or trouble breathing
§ Bluish skin color
§ Not drinking enough fluids
§ Not waking up or not interacting
§ Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
§ Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
§ Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
§ Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
§ Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
§ Sudden dizziness
§ Confusion
§ Severe or persistent vomiting
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
Where can I get more information and updates about the swine flu?
Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348, 24 Hours a day or log on to www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm.
Additional Resources include Health & Human Services – http://www.hhs.gov/ and the World Health Organization - www.who.int/en
Swine Flu — Get Informed. Be Prepared.
What is swine flu? Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen.
Is this swine flu virus contagious? The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people? The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How does swine flu spread? Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What should I do to keep from getting the flu? First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try to not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms).
How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How long can viruses live outside the body?We know that some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza:
§ 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 hand cleaners are also effective.
§ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
§ Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
§ If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
What is the best way to keep from spreading?If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?Wash with warm soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. It is recommended that when you wash your hands for at least 15 to 20 seconds.
What should I do if I get sick?If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact your health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
§ Fast breathing or trouble breathing
§ Bluish skin color
§ Not drinking enough fluids
§ Not waking up or not interacting
§ Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
§ Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
§ Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
§ Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
§ Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
§ Sudden dizziness
§ Confusion
§ Severe or persistent vomiting
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
Where can I get more information and updates about the swine flu?
Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348, 24 Hours a day or log on to www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm.
Additional Resources include Health & Human Services – http://www.hhs.gov/ and the World Health Organization - www.who.int/en
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