COVERITLIVE.COM

10:39

Dallasnews.com Editor - Thanks for joining us. Reporter Sherry Jacobson and Dr. Carlo will be with us at 11 a.m. Please feel free to send advanced questions.

11:02

Sherry Jacobson/Reporter - Welcome to our chat with Dr. John Carlo, medical director of the Dallas County Department of Health and Health Services. We'd like you to send us your questions.

11:02

John T Carlo, MD - Hello. Thank-you for having me here today.

11:03

[Comment From e]
What are the initial symptoms of Swine Flu? I have a sore throat - should I be worried?

11:04

John T Carlo, MD -

So far from what we have seen in cases here in the U.S., cases have signficant fever as the first symptom. Swine flu would present just like the seasonal symptoms which include fever + 1 symptom such as cough, sore throat and muscle aches.

see http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidance/

11:04

[Comment From Chris]
Why is this being treated differently than the regular flu? ONLY 7 people have died in Mexico, and they had other health issues that further weakened them.

11:05

John T Carlo, MD - Concerns anytime a new flu strain is located is that we are seeing a potential pandemic strain, so we have to follow up very carefully. From what I have seen, Mexico has over 100 deaths reported, but information is continuing.

11:06

[Comment From Cara]
I have been reading up on Swine Flu b/c I am currently pregnant and have a 2 year old. Some things that I have read indicate that children under 5 may not even have fever and that, in general, symptoms are fever, cough, and a sore throat. How am I to know the difference between allergies/cold or the new flu strain?

11:07

John T Carlo, MD - Flu typically presents with fever in all populations except special circumstances. Healthy children do usually present with fever if they are infected. Of course, please see your doctor if you have concern.

11:07

[Comment From CC]
I'm planning to fly to San Diego for a weekend conference and am wondering if I'm overreacting to consider rescheduling, or if taking the recommended precautions (handwashing, etc.) will be sufficient to protect me. I don't know whether to be more concerned about the recirculated air on the plane or the crowds at the conference!

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