Blossoms Healthcare is monitoring the recently reported out break of swine flu in Mexico and the United States.

As of 26 April 2009, the United States Government has reported 20 laboratory confirmed human cases of swine influenza (the virus is an influenza 'A' type H1N1) with 8 cases in New York, 7 in California, 2 in texas, 2 in Kansas and 1 in Ohio.

Although deaths have been reported in Mexico, all 20 cases in the United States have had mild Influenza-Like Illness with only one requiring brief hospitalisation.  No deaths have been reported.  All 20 viruses have the same genetic pattern based on preliminary testing.  The virus is being described as a new subtype of A/H1N1 not previously detected in swine or humans.

Although a Public Health Emergency has been declared in the United States, this is standard operating procedure and in itself is no cause for alarm.

Contact avoidance, quarantining and antiviral treatment are being employed to control the out break and treat the victims.  No travel restrictions are in place, although it may be prudent to delay any non-essential travel to Mexico City and other affected areas.

Blossoms Health advice (particularly for those having travelled to/from affected areas) currently is:

1.  Monitor your health if flu-like symptoms present (cough, sneezes, muscle aches, raised temperature) seek medical attention.

2.  Ensure you inform any health professional that you have been in an affected area.

3.  Maintain personal hygiene at all times, washing hands frequently.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth (as germs spread that way).

4.  Avoid contact with symptomatic people.

As H1N1 types are similar to the seasonal influenza we see in Europe, it is reasonable to believe that our population has some degree of "herd" or natural immunity.  However, no vaccination available is designed to deal with this specific subtype.  Laboratory testing has found the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir.

Blossoms' occupational health team are on hand to provide advice and guidance if required and can be reached on 020 7332 6235.