Swine Flu Reaches North Texas

If you've read a newspaper or caught the tale end of a newscast in the last four days, you're probably aware: the swine flu has crossed the border. In fact, WFAA is now reporting that it's here in North Texas. A Richardson elementary school has closed its doors for the rest of the week because one student tested positive for the virus.

Fortunately, the cases reported here in the United States have been mild, and few people have required hospitalization. But, Dr. Jane Siegel, a UT Southwestern infectious diseases specialist at Children's Medical Center, says we need to take prevention seriously.

Unfortunately, the flu shot you got earlier this year won't protect you from this strain (but hopefully it did the trick against the regular ol' seasonal flu). So, what can you do?

It seems simple, but the best defense against the flu is good hygiene.

• Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly (either with warm, soapy water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer)
  
• Cover your cough
• Dispose of used tissues

A few other tips to minimize your risk - avoid crowds (even the mall), limit unnecessary public transportation, including flights, and DO NOT go to school or work if you feel lousy.

The symptoms look and feel similar to those associated with seasonal flu. Get to your primary car provider if you or your kiddo has a fever, cough, congestion, body aches, and/or sore throat, all of which may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Stay well.