Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease that causes regular influenza outbreaks in pigs and can cross species to affect other animals, including humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) both provide more detailed information online, and HHS also has information on travel precautions. The World Health Organization has information specifically on the swine flu in the U.S. and Mexico, while the New Mexico Department of Health is monitoring the cases in our state.

According to the CDC, the first and most important step that can be taken to prevent the spread of the flu is proper hand washing. Anyone who suspects he or she has come in contact with swine influenza is advised to contact a medical provider.

To deal with the latest breakout, the Food and Drug Administration has authorized the emergency use of certain drugs that might help individuals affected by swine influenza (among other proactive measures) in an effort to prepare communities for possible outbreaks. This authorization is a precaution and does not mean that there is an existing health crisis in the U.S.; it means that government agencies are preparing for whatever course this outbreak may take.