The FLUstache
OK ... I know I know it was lame, cheesy and a cheap shot , but I just couldn't help myself... I am sorry.
Anyways, as I was curiously browsing through our dental professional sites there were numerous postings on this topic: Swine Flu. Apparently, it is all the rage.
But seriously, I thought it might be something to post about because recently someone asked if it is OK to go to a cleaning appointment if they have a sore throat. Good question, huh. Yesterday I would tell you it is probably OK to go; unless it is to uncomfortable to sit for 1hr or even if you want to be courteous to your hygienist, then it would be nice to reschedule. But as of today we have been recommended to Reschedule ANY patients with signs or symptoms of the flu including a sore throat. According to OSAP (Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures )they are requesting we refer you to your MD and get checked to verify that it is NOT the swine flu , especially if you have been to Mexico, or you have been in contact with anyone who has been to Mexico in the past 7 days. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised their level of influenza pandemic alert from Phase Four to Phase Five and is stressing early detection.
Symptoms:
fever (greater than 100ºF)
chills
head and body aches
fatigue
cough
stuffy nose
sore throat
vomiting and diarrhea
More serious illnesses such as pneumonia or respiratory illness have also been reported.
Below are links to more info if you have any questions.
Good tips for preventing ANY FLU here I think #2, & # 5 are the hardest but probably the most important.
ADA ( American Dental Association) here breakdown on the swine flu
CDC (Center for Disease Control ) here updated stats and info on # of cases in US and what is being done to help .
OSAP (Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures) here
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