UCLA Monitors Swine Flu

UCLA Health System is closely monitoring developments in the nationwide public health emergency involving swine influenza A, also known as H1N1. “We have implemented detection and treatment plans based on Centers for Disease (CDC) guidelines, we have sent out information on testing procedures and anti-viral therapy recommendations to our healthcare providers, and we are prepared to initiate measures to protect our staff and patients,” notes Tom Rosenthal, M.D., chief medical officer.

The CDC offers these everyday actions people can take to stay healthy and decrease the likelihood of transmission:

• 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 hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Offer masks to persons who are coughing.
• Isolate persons with flu-like symptoms from others.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

If you develop flu-like symptoms that include high fever, cough, runny nose, muscle aches and nausea/vomiting, please contact your personal physician and do not come to work. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing.

For more information on the swine flu, see UCLA's swine influenza update.