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Frequently Asked Questions about Swine Flu <br />The Hawai‘i State Department of Health has put out information to frequently asked questions <br />about the Swine Flu. The Swine Flu is a new flu virus. There have been cases reported in <br />Hawai‘i. The virus can be spread from person to person much like other flu viruses. A <br />person may catch the swine flu by contact with infected, contagious persons (through coughing or <br />sneezing). Another means of transmission would be touching something the virus is on then <br />touching ones mouth, nose or eyes. An additional way is by contact with infected pigs or environment <br />contaminated with the virus. The symptoms are fever, chills, cough, sore throat, fatigue, body and <br />headache; some may experience diarrhea and vomiting. If an adult shows rapid/difficult breathing, <br />pain/pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe/persistent vomiting they <br />should see a doctor immediately. An adult with the virus may be contagious one day before showing <br />symptoms and seven days after becoming sick. There are antiviral medications available to treat swine-origin <br />flu, but not everyone may need to be treated with these medications. Scientists are working on a vaccine, but <br />a vaccine for the virus is not yet ready. <br /> <br />Flu Season is Here! <br />The flu season is here! Please take precautions to stay healthy and prevent the spread of germs. <br />The Center for Disease Control has suggested ways to stay healthy. <br />Get a lot of rest, stay physically active, keep stress under control, drink plenty of water and eat well-balanced meals. <br />Wash your hands. <br />Keep away from people who are sick. <br />Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when sneezing or coughing; or cough into your upper arm. <br />Cleanse shared items (such as phones, keyboards, doorknobs, and handles) with alcohol. <br />Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Flu virus can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. <br />Stay home when you are sick. <br /> <br />TAX SEASON FAST APPROACHING <br />CSE will be partnering with AARP once again to provide assistance for seniors in filing taxes for the 2009 <br />tax year. Last year 1,150 people were served by Certified Volunteer AARP Tax <br />Counselors. Almost half of the taxes were filed electronically which results in receiving faster <br />refunds for seniors. This free service is for individuals who have simple taxes to complete and meet <br />other qualifications. Priority is given to seniors 60 and over. You can begin calling to schedule appointments on Monday, January 4th. <br /> <br />Please call CSE at 961-8777 in East Hawai‘i to schedule appointments or AARP Information Center in West Hawai‘i at 334-1212. <br /> <br />Sets Fukushima, seated far left, coordinates the AARP Tax Assistance Program with the help of her Certified Volunteers in assisting many <br />seniors in getting their taxes done before the April 15th deadline. “Mahalo!!!” <br /> <br />Questions about your <br />Medicare or Medicaid Provider Network? <br /> <br />The state of Hawai‘i has contract with EverCare and Ohana Healthcare plans to coordinate Medicare and Medicaid services. We thought it might be helpful to provide our seniors with the contact phone numbers for these two <br />healthcare plans. If you have questions about the services you are receiving please call: EverCare – 1-888-980-8728 or Ohana 1-888-846-4262. <br /> <br />Or call CSE’s Information and Assistance Hotline at 961-8777. <br /> <br />3