Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Travel recommendations from Denver Health in English and Spanish

From: Chris Urbina, MD, MPH

Subject: traveler information

Based on current CDC guidance, Denver Public Health has not recommended that non-healthcare (e.g., airline, environmental services, TSA or other DIA) employees use any protective mask to prevent contracting swine flu. To date, there are no cases of swine flu identified within Colorado. The situation may change in the near future as new cases are identified daily across the United States. Even in places where the disease has been detected, there are no current mask recommendations. Virtually all cases of swine flu have been mild or similar to the seasonal flu we experience yearly.

Just as will seasonal flu, the most important things you can do to prevent transmission of infection are: 1) avoid close (within 6 feet) contact with ill people, 2) stay home when you are sick, 3) cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, 4) wash your hands, 5) avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, and 6) practice other good health habits

If there are any changes to these recommendations, Denver Public Health will issue an update through DIA Operations Center. Attached is our recommendations for travelers.

Thanks,

Chris Urbina

ATTENTION RETURNING/RECENTLY RETURNED TRAVELERS!!
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Denver Public Health
Interim Guidelines for Travelers and Swine Influenza A (H1N1), April 27, 2009

To date, several human swine influenza (flu) cases have been identified in California, Texas, Kansas, New York, and Ohio. More states are reporting cases daily. Several cases have a history of travel to Mexico. As yet, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/swineflu) has not issued any specific travel advisory. The most important things you can do to prevent transmission of infection are: 1) avoid close contact with ill people, 2) stay home when you are sick, 3) cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, 4) wash your hands, 5) avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, and 6) practice other good health habits.

If you recently visited Mexico or other parts of the U.S. reporting cases of swine influenza and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, cough, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you should contact your health care provider if your symptoms are severe or if you have other medical problems such as heart or lung problems. If you are sick and have mild symptoms, stay at home, and avoid contact with other people to keep from spreading illness. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care and share travel history.

In children, emergency warning signs:
· 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:
· Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
· Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
· Sudden dizziness
· Confusion
· Severe or persistent vomiting

As more information becomes available, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (303-692-2700 /after-hours: 303-370-9395) and Denver Public Health 24-Hour Emergency Number: 303-602-3700 will work to ensure updates through the media and website (http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/epr/H1N1.html).

¡VIAJEROS VUELTOS RECIENTEMENTE DE LA ATENCIÓN!!
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Denver Public Health
Directrices provisionales para viajeros y la gripe A (H1N1) de los cerdos, 27 de abril 2009

Hasta hoy, se han identificado brotes por el virus de la influenza porcina tipo A (H1N1) en California, Texas, Kansas, Nueva York, y Ohio. Más estados identifican casos cada día. Además, brotes o casos humanos de la influenza porcina se ha identificado asociado a viajes a México. Hasta ahora, el Centro para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (www.cdc.gov/swineflu/espanol/ ) no ha provenido ninguna recomendación o aviso especifico sobre viajar. Las cosas mas importantes que usted puede hacer para prevenir transmitir la infección son: 1) evite el contacto con personas enfermas, 2) si esta enfermo, quédese en casa, 3) cúbrase la nariz y la boca cuando tosa o estornude, 4) lávese las manos con agua y jabón, y 5) trate de no tocarse los ojos, la nariz ni la boca, y 6) practique buenos hábitos de salud para la prevención.

Si recientemente usted ha visitado a México o otros partes de los EEUU reportando casos humanos de influenza porcina y siente enfermo con síntomas de influenza, incluyendo: fiebre, dolores musculares, tos, congestión nasal, dolor de garganta, escalofríos, nausea o vómitos o diarrea debe hacer contacto con su proveedor de atención médica si sus síntomas son severos o si tiene otros problemas médicos como de corazón o pulmones. Si siente enfermo y los síntomas son livianos, manténgase en casa y evite el contacto con otras personas para prevenir la propagación de la influenza porcina. Si empeora y siente algunas de los siguientes síntomas, vaya de inmediato a buscar un proveedor de atención médica e informarle de su reciente viaje.

En niños, signos de emergencia:
· Respirar rápido o con dificultad
· Color azul el la piel
· No tomar suficiente líquidos
· No despertar o poca actividad
· Siendo tan irritado que el niño no quiere ser abrazado
· Síntomas de influenza que mejoran pero vuelvan con fiebre y tos peor
· Fiebre con una erupción

En adultos, signos de emergencia:
· Dificultad con respirar o falta de aire
· Dolor o presión en el pecho o el abdomen
· Vértigos repentinos
· Confusión
· El vomitar severo o persistente

Como más información llega a estar disponible, el Departamento de Colorado de la Salud Pública y del Ambiente (303-692-2700 /después de horas: 303-370-9395) y número de 24 horas de la emergencia de la Salud Pública de Denver: 303-602-3700 trabajará para asegurar actualizaciones através de las noticias y el sitio Internet (http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/epr/H1N1.html)

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