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Edwards Talks To Governor About Flu Preparations
Central Texas Congressman Chet Edwards talked with Gov. Rick Perry Thursday about the state and federal response to the outbreak of a new strain of swine flu.
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2 Comments 
WASHINGTON (April 30, 2009)—Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, spoke Thursday with Texas Gov. Rick Perry about the state and federal response to the outbreak of a new strain of swine flu.
At least 26 cases of the new strain of flu have been confirmed in Texas and more than 100 have been confirmed nationwide.
A 23-month old toddler from Mexico died of the virus in a hospital in Houston.
Edwards’ office is also in regular contact with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Homeland Security, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Department of Public Health Services, according to a press released issued Thursday.
“My office will continue to be in contact with the Governor’s office, Centers for Disease Control, and the appropriate federal and state agencies to ensure our communities remain safe and informed,” Edwards said.
“The most important thing citizens can do right now is to remain calm, take normal health precautions, and follow the advice of local health officials.”
The current virus is described as a new subtype of swine flu or A/H1N1 not previously detected in swine or humans. The virus combines genetic material from pigs, birds and humans in a way researchers have not seen before.
How Is It Transmitted?
People cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Most influenza viruses, including the swine flu virus, are not spread by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. No food safety issues have been identified, related to the flu. Preliminary investigations have determined that none of the people infected with the flu had contact with hogs. The virus is spreading by human-to-human transmission.
Swine Flu Symptoms
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of seasonal flu and include:
Fever
Fatigue
Lack of appetite
Coughing
Runny nose
Sore throat
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
What To Do If You Get Sick
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
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 that need urgent medical attention include:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
(CDC)
Steps You Can Take To Stay Healthy
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze
Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them
(CDC)
Links And Other Resources
The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has a toll-free information line to answer any questions you may have about the swine flu. The number is 1-888-777-5320
World Health Organization Human Swine Influenza Site
Latest Comments
This is why Chet wins. He is a great congressman whose first thoughts are always about the best interests of his constituency. He's smart. He cares. He understands perspective. That all happens because he has a good soul and comes from good stock. Tom, Chet's Dad, has a high forehead. That may explain your concern about his hair, Mark!
Where did CHET'S HAIR GO????????
Fact: 1,000 people in the US have died from the flu since January. 30,000 die every year from it. Why hasn't anyone been concerned with that? Are they just throw away casualties that come with the the flu. People are in a mad panic for the H1N1 flu and we haven't had any US related deaths yet! Get a grip and quit the hyped panic coming from the news media
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