How to Track Swine Flu Statistics

By Kristina N

Concerned citizens can track the number of confirmed cases of Swine Flu, along with the number of deaths, through a Web site on the Internet. Stay alert by tracking the Swine Flu that may be in your living area.
• The Web site USATODAY.com contains an up to date map that tracks statistics of the Swine Flu. To locate and view the tracking map, copy and paste the following Web site into your address box enter:

http://www.usatoday.com/_common/_flash/_ammap/usat/090429-swine-flu-zoom/flash.htm

There is a quick direct link provided in resources also.
• Step 2

Once you have the tracking map on your computer screen, you can use the right click on the arrows (top left) to move the map up, down, right of left.
• Step 3

You can also move your cursor over any country, without clicking, to view the statistics of each area. At the right of the screen, you can use a drop down menu and right click on any area to view statistics as well.
What to Expect After A Positive Swine Flu H1N1 Test
A positive flu test during a global flu pandemic can be scary.

Follow these tips to be more prepared about what to expect.

• Step 1
Know that the first flu test isn’t 100% reliable. The very first flu test that is given is called a “rapid” test, which is done by swabbing the nose. The rapid test is NOT the test that will let you know for sure if it is H1N1. This test simply tells the doctor that flu is present and more testing is needed to determine which type of flu it might be. It usually takes just a few minutes to get these first results, but the test sometimes has a “false positive” or “false negative”. Just because the test is positive doesn’t mean it’s definitely the flu, or H1N1.

• Step 2
The medical facility doesn't have a mask small enough for babies by the way
A second test (and yes, a second swab) will be done to determine if it is H1N1. You will probably be completely symptom-free by the time the results of the second test come back. Until then, you will probably be considered as a “suspected H1N1” case, and medical staff will assume you have H1N1. They pretty much have to assume this because H1N1 is the type of flu that has popped up all over during the summer non-flu season.

• Step 3
Don’t be surprised if your doctor doesn’t make a big deal out of the positive result. If you have mild symptoms, a stay at the hospital will probably NOT be needed. Mild symptoms of H1N1 are similar to the common cold can be treated at home with recommendations from your doctor.

• Step 4
This type of sign may be placed on your hospital room door
If hospitalization is needed, you might be under “airborne isolation”. This means any medical staff going into your room might need to wear a mask and protective gown and gloves. You might also end up in a special hospital room that does not “share” air with the rest of the hospital. Don’t be alarmed or mad about this…you just might end up getting better care because of it!

• Step 5
Nurses will listen to your lungs for signs of pneumonia
You might hear about a medication called Tamiflu. Tamiflu does not “cure” the flu; it simply reduces the severity of the symptoms. If the symptoms are mild, you might not need it at all. Be aware that many studies for Tamiflu haven’t been done on infants and very young children to know exactly what a safe dosage is. However, if your baby’s symptoms are severe enough, your doctor might give it anyway if the benefits outweigh the risks.

• Step 6
Find someone who can answer your questions: If you have any specific flu questions, ask your doctor. However, the H1N1 strain is so new that there is a lot of misinformation floating around, and your doctor may not be able to give you an immediate or accurate answer. Hospitals might have an “infectious disease” expert on staff who is more familiar with H1N1. Also, call the CDC hot line with questions 24/7: 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)