Note for SMA Conference Attendees on Swine Flu.
June 26, 2009.

We have been notified that an attendee who was present at the SMA conference this last weekend in Cincinnati has just tested positive for swine flu.  This child has been hospitalized and is in stable condition.

At this time we are recommending that anyone who was in attendance at the conference should monitor themselves and family members for flu symptoms.

If you or any family members develop symptoms you should contact your local physician immediately.  You should inform them of the information contained in this note above.

Please call us at (800) 886-1762 if you need any further information.

Please also inform us if any cases are confirmed in your family or friends so that we may monitor the situation.

Relevant Information from an Earlier Posting from Families of SMA:

Swine Flu and Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
May 2, 2009.

Information for SMA Patients and Families.

What is influenza?
Influenza (the flu) is an illness caused by a virus.  It usually happens in the fall and winter but people can get the flu at other times of the year.  The flu is easily spread by direct contact, coughing, sneezing, and when an infected person touches a surface that others then use, like doorknobs and railings.
 
What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses, which can cause regular outbreaks in pigs.  People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen.  Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of chronic medical conditions, like SMA.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human influenza and include:
-fever and chills,
-cough,
-sore throat,
-body aches,
-headache,
-fatigue,
-vomiting and diarrhea are also possible.

How does swine flu spread?
Spread of the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads.  Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person when someone with influenza coughs or sneezes.  Sometimes a person may become infected with the flu by touching something that has flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

For how long is swine flu contagious?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick.  That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No.  Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food.  You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products.  Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.  Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.

How can I avoid swine flu and other germs?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu.  There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
-Clean your hands with alcohol-based hand gel or soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
-Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, throw it away, then clean your hands.
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth since germs spread that way.
-Avoid close contact with sick people.

What should I do if I think I or my child has the flu?
If you or your child has SMA and you think you or they may also have the flu, call your doctor.  If you get sick, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.  If you have swine flu your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug like oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) that can modify the severity of your illness.  If you or your child with SMA are exposed to a confirmed case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus, contact your doctor for consideration of medication for 7 days to prevent the symptoms of swine influenza.

For up-to-date information on swine influenza, visit: www.cdc.gov/swineflu.

DISCLAIMER: Please contact a professional health care provider, with experience in treating individuals with SMA, if you have additional, specific questions about your or your child's medical condition and any situations requiring immediate attention. If you have an urgent situation, please call your doctor. If you have a medical emergency and cannot reach your doctor, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Please keep in mind that Families of SMA does not, as an organization, support or endorse any particular treatment or therapy. All medical information presented here should be discussed with a qualified physician.