Utah Chiropractic Physicians Association

Many people are expressing concern about the recent outbreak of a new disease, swine flu.  In line with our Public Health Initiative sponsored by the UCPA we are providing some basic information for the public and for practitioners to aid in controlling this illness and preventing future cases.

The first thing that everyone must do is gain perspective.  Swine flu has not shown to be any more dangerous than a regular flu, and many confirmed cases in the US have resolved without treatment.  However, if you have recently traveled to Mexico and develop flu symptoms please see a medical doctor so that they can get a sample to determine if you have swine flu.  Symptoms of swine flu are identical to a normal flu, and they can only be differentiated by a lab test, which is why you would seek medical assistance.  Although swine flu has been seen to require no treatment in some cases it has also been found to respond to treatment with prescription antiviral drugs.

To prevent swine flu transmission you should avoid contact with sick people and wash your hands regularly.  If you are sick you should stay home, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands afterward.  Swine flu is not transmitted through eating pork or any pig product.

There have been no outbreaks of swine flu in Utah yet, but the Utah Department of Health has asked all physicians to be on the look out for anyone with flu like symptoms.  When you encounter this situation take normal precautions and contact public health officials.  You should also send a sample such as a nasal swab to public health labs for testing.  For further information follow these links:

For Chiropractic Physicians

For the Public

On Friday a press release was sent out announcing the start of our UCPA Public Health Initiative webpage.  It has many great links and helpful information for you to promote chiropractic in your area.  Remember the more we invoke this initiative the more people will associate public health with chiropractors.  When that happens we can be a powerful influence in improving the health of Utahns.

The page needs your help to grow.  We need your stories to submit to the media, we need your content and comments so come check out the new addition to the UCPA website, and help make it grow.