Swine Flu Local Reaction

Biologists at Memorial Health are devoted to researching diseases and illnesses like the Swine Flu. Most of their work is done with microscopes and petri dishes so that they can isolate diseases that cause infection. "We have a rapid test that detects such things as right now swine flu…the A virus. It can detect the A virus. If they have a positive test then we will send the specimen to the appropriate agency to rule out Swine Flu," says Microbiologist Vera Pagan.
Although there are no confirmed Swine Flu cases here, there's a possibility that it could spread… a scenario Infection Prevention and Control Manager Emmitt Smith hopes doesn't happen. "But I think people need to be prepared and I think people need to be aware. This is a strain that we don't normally see. It's coming at a time when the Flu in Georgia is usually on the down trend." Historically people who got Swine Flu worked around pigs, but this time around it's a mystery. Symptoms include high fever, fatigue, chills, body aches, dizziness, diarrhea, and vomiting. "One of the hallmarks of this particular outbreak is there has not been any identification of exposure to pigs. So there are not really sure where it's coming from," says Smith. "No matter the case, microbiologists take their jobs seriously because they're dealing with living organisms." "And they don't read books and we have to be one step ahead of them. so we do take a little more time back here doing our work," says Pagan. As health officials work to figure out the mystery of the swine flu outbreak, smith recommends you pay attention to your health. "People just need to be aware that you can get the flu at any time, and take precaution at all times," says Smith. Bottom line -- if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, go to the hospital and get treated early. Now here are some easy ways to protect yourself against Swine flu. Wash your hands often, cover a cough, if you have a fever, stay home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says following these steps will decrease the spread of Swine Flu.