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Message to the Community about H1N1 (Swine) Influenza
Thomas Courtney, MD, SMMC PrimeCare Infectious Diseases
As you have likely seen on the local and national news, the swine flu has been found in patients in many U.S. states, including Maine. The Maine CDC has issued a public health advisory, and with the recent school vacation and many Mainers returning from travel, it is important to be aware of the symptoms and the ways to prevent the transmission of many infectious diseases.
Symptoms
Symptoms are similar to seasonal influenza and include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and often respiratory symptoms. Some people with swine flu also have reported sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Transmission is mainly person-to-person through the coughs or sneezes of those infected with the influenza virus. People may also become infected by touching objects contaminated with flu virus and then touching their own eyes, nose, or mouth. If you feel ill, have a fever and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please call your healthcare provider.
Prevention
It is imperative for everyone in the community to practice good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette: 
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Use a disposable tissue and place in the trash
- If a tissue is unavailable, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands
- Hand washing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of germs
- Use soap and water or alcohol hand sanitizers
- Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- People with respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community
- Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill
To Learn More
If you have questions, you can call the Maine CDC Public Call-In Line at 1-888-257-0990. The service is currently available Monday-Friday, 9am-8pm, and weekends from 12noon-5pm. Additionally, more information about swine flu is available on both the U.S. and Maine Centers for Disease Control (CDC) websites:
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