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Hot Topic: Influenza and Swine (H1N1) Flu

Influenza, commonly known as the "flu," is a contagious disease caused by a virus. While it is possible to catch the flu at any time of year, it is predominantly a seasonal disease that strikes in the winter. Because there are so many strains, and because the flu virus is constantly mutating, vaccines against the disease are only effective for short periods of time. Disease experts have long worried that a flu virus in birds or animals could mutate into a communicable form that could kill tens of millions of people worldwide, much like the global flu pandemic of 1918.

Swine flu is a form of influenza that is endemic to pigs but until recently was rare in people. The large swine flu outbreak that began in April 2009 involves a new strain that can be transmitted from human to human. The symptoms are generally similar to those of regular flu and can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhea, and vomiting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, actions that you can take to prevent the spread of the virus include covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; washing your hands with soap and water; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; and staying home if you get sick.

Below you will find a short list of books, recent magazine and newspaper articles, as well as links to informative websites that will help you learn more about influenza and swine flu.

Protecting your business in a pandemic : plans, tools, and advice for maintaining business continuity
Sikich, Geary W.
Westport, Conn. : Praeger, 2008.
658.477/SIKICH

Bird flu : everything you need to know about the next pandemic Siegel, Marc (Marc K.)
Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley, c2006
614.518/SIEGEL

Deadly invaders : virus outbreaks around the world, from Marburg fever to avian flu
Grady, Denise.
Boston, Mass. : Kingfisher, 2006.
614.58/GRADY

The great physician's Rx for colds and flu
Rubin, Jordan.
Nashville : Nelson Books, c2006.
616.205/RUBIN

The germ freak's guide to outwitting colds and flu : guerilla tactics to keep yourself healthy at home, at work, and in the world Janse, Allison.
Deerfield Beach, Fla. : Health Communications, c2005
616.205/JANSE

The great influenza : the epic story of the deadliest plague in history
Barry, John M., 1947-
New York : Viking, c2004.
614.518/BARRY

The devil's flu : the world's deadliest influenza epidemic and the scientific hunt for the virus that caused it Davies, Pete, 1959-
1st American ed. New York : Henry Holt & Co., 2000.
614.518/DAVIES

Flu: the story of the great influenza pandemic of 1918 and the search for the virus that caused it Kolata, Gina Bari, 1948-
1st ed., New York : Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1999.
614.518/KOLATA

Tracking Swine Flu Cases Worldwide Health officials continue to report mild cases of swine flu throughout the United States and worldwide. New York Times. Updated frequently

Containing Flu Is Not Feasible, Specialists Say; [Foreign Desk] Donald G. McNeil Jr. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Apr 30, 2009. p. A.1

The Swine-Flu Outbreak: WHO Warns of Imminent World-Wide Pandemic --- U.N. Agency Raises Alert Level to Phase 5, Citing Sustained Person-to-Person Transmission in the U.S. and Mexico. Betsy McKay, Stephanie Simon. Wall Street Journal (Eastern edition). New York, N.Y.: Apr 30, 2009. p. A.5

From Edgar, 5, Coughs Heard Round the World; [Foreign Desk] Marc Lacey. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Apr 29, 2009. p. A.1

Swine Flu Vaccine May Be Months Away, Experts Say; [Foreign Desk] Andrew Pollack. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)) New York, N.Y.: Apr 29, 2009. p. A.10

Swine Flu: 14 Things You Need to Know to Keep Yourself Safe; Frequent questions and their answers. The best defense right now? Stay on top of the news. U.S. News & World Report Online April 27, 2009)(1443 words)

Swine flu timeline: How the deadly outbreak has developed Associated Press The Sun. Lowell, Mass.: Apr 25, 2009.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

San Diego County Health and Human Services

World Health Organization (WHO)

For medical info on Swine Flu from Medline Plus

San Diego Union Tribune Swine Flu Watch blog

Download the Germ Patrol Hand Washing Activity Page for Children (PDF: 1.0Mb)