(Q) I will be flying to Las Vegas with a 2 hour layover in Atlanta next week. Should I wear a mask? I had a liver transplant five years ago and have been doing really well.
DR. SORIA: As of right now, there is no recommendation for routine masks unless you are handling patients with confirmed Swine flu. That is great that you have been doing well after your transplant. One thing is for sure, wearing a mask cannot hurt.
(Q) I just returned from California. How long could a person be a carrier of the flu, and not show symptoms? Can a carrier not get ill himself, but infect others?
DR. SORIA:If your husband was in San Diego or Imperial counties in California in the last 7 days, and develops the symptoms of flu (cough, congestion, sore throat), have him go to the ER for testing and treatment. If he has no symptoms, it is not necessary. An individual can be a carrier of the flu virus if he/she has developed immunity to the strain, then gets infected or exposed to it again. Symptoms will be mild or absent, but the person can still be contagious for up to 7 days.
(Q) Myself and some friends are scheduled to take the day cruise on the Palm Beach Princess on Saturday. Should we postpone this type of public activity until this flu is better under control?
DR. SORIA:At this time, no reason to postpone your cruise. No cases in Florida that would require you to do that, but keep an eye on our updates through the week.
(Q) I was wondering whether we should cancel our trip (to NYC) thank you. Should we wear masks if we do go?
DR. SORIA:There is no reason to cancel your trip to NYC at this time, or recommendation to wear a mask in the plane. However, there is no harm in wearing one if you want to be extra careful.
(Q) How do I know if I have swine flu and not just some regular influenza? What are some examples of "flu-like symptoms" I should watch out for?
DR. SORIA:There is no obvious difference in symptoms between the Swine Influenza and Human Influenza. The symptoms of each include: cough, congestion, sore throat, muscle aches, even nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
(Q) How does washing your hands prevent the spread of the virus and can I build up a resistance to soap if I keep my hands too clean?
DR. SORIA:Washing your hands prevents the spread by doing one of two things: washing the virus off your hands before you touch your mouth or nose which can cause the infection in your body to spread, or by killing the virus depending on the soap or antiseptic used.
(Q) My husband is a barber, who gives shaves and wax eyebrows. What are some precautions he can take to protect himself from getting sick?
DR. SORIA:The best way for him to prevent getting sick is to avoid exposure to an ill persons saliva (cough or sneeze). As a barber in close contact, wash his hands between people, and ensure that his customers cover when coughing or sneezing.
(Q) Is there a vaccine for pig against swine flu and, if so, is it possible they don't use it in Mexico and therefore the outbreak is stronger there?
DR. SORIA:There are available vaccines that can be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza, but there is no vaccine that prevents swine flu in humans. Not giving the vaccine is unlikely a reason as to why the swine flu is more severe in Mexico, although clearly less citizens of Mexico is vaccinated against Human Influenza. Probably has more to do with the mutation of the virus as it is transmitted from person to person.
(Q) Should I be concerned about getting some type of shot to protect myself from this Swine Flu after being in a clinic where there are Mexicans at the Health Care District?
DR. SORIA:There is no reason to be concerned at this point because you have been around Mexicans in the clinic. There has been no confirmed case in Florida, and additionally, you would have had to be in close contact (6 feet) within the past 7 days of someone having the infection.
