More cases of the swine flu outbreak have been reported in California, and one case in San Diego has caused a school to close down. Public health officials in San Diego County shut down the private Christ the Cornerstone Academy in Mira Mesa, after a 7-year-old student contracted swine flu. Possibly three teachers also may be infected at the school.
The Union-Tribune reported as of Monday, the state's count rose to 11 including a 20-year-old man from San Diego County. Five more cases in San Diego County, including the Cornerstone teachers, could be confirmed by midweek. Two of the patients are the father and a sibling of the stricken academy student.
The unique swine-flu strain has claimed as many as 150 victims – all in Mexico, the outbreak's epicenter. But that is far below how many victims the common flu claims every year in the United States.
Still, there is reason to take precautions for yourself and family. Here are some suggestions from the Centers for Disease Control:
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- 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.
- 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. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
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