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The frequently asked questions (FAQs) compiled on this have largely come from you, our viewers. When we see a question that we feel may be of interest to the audience as a whole we post the answers to those questions here. Click on the link below to access FAQs on the following subjects: * Bioterrorism FAQs * HIV FAQs * Nutrition and Fitness FAQs * OB/GYN Related FAQs * West Nile Virus FAQs You may submit a new question to us via our Contact Us page. Bioterrorism FAQs
Q: What are some common emotional reactions to the threats of bioterrorism? A: It is normal to experience some degree of anxiety when we perceive a potential threat, even if the threat is indirect. Specific symptoms can include feelings of worry, helplessness, confusion, and crying or tearfulness. Fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, headaches, stomach problems, anger and depression are also possible reactions. Back To Top Q: What are some ways of dealing with anxiety? A: First realize that you are responding to a difficult and unique situation. Don't expect overnight adjustment. Anticipate that you might be operating below your normal level for a while. Try to maintain a normal structure and routine and minimize large changes in your life. If you find yourself being forgetful, which is common when stressed or anxious, keep lists to help stay organized. Talk about your feelings with those you trust. Maintain contact with your "support system" of friends, family, church, co-workers, and activity groups. Try to eat healthy with regularly scheduled meals and exercise. If you feel fatigued try to get extra rest. If your anxiety or other symptoms begin to interfere with your daily functioning seek professional assistance. Back To Top Q: What is anthrax and how is it transmitted? A: Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Symptoms of disease vary depending on how the disease was contracted, but usually occur within 7 days after exposure. The forms of human anthrax are inhalation anthrax, cutaneous anthrax, and intestinal anthrax Back To Top Q: What are the symptoms of anthrax? A: Symptoms of the disease vary depending on how the disease was contracted, but usually occur within 7 days. The Centers for Disease Control list the following: * Cutaneous: Most (about 95 percent) anthrax infections occur when the bacterium enters a cut or abrasion on the skin, such as when handling wool hides, leather, or hair products from infected animals. Recently, the bacterium has been found on contaminated letters sent through the mail. Skin infection begins as a raised itchy bump that is dark in color and resembles an insect bite but within 1-2 days develops into a vesicle and then a painless ulcer, usually 1-3 centimeters in diameter, with a characteristic black area in the center. Lymph glands in the adjacent area may swell. About 20 percent of untreated cases of cutaneous anthrax will result in death. Deaths are rare with appropriate therapy. * Inhalation: Initial symptoms may resemble a common cold. These symptoms may actually then retreat for a short period. But after several days, the symptoms progress to severe breathing problems and shock. Inhalation anthrax is often fatal, however early recognition and treatment can improve survival rates. * Intestinal: The intestinal disease form of anthrax may follow the consumption of contaminated meat and is characterized by an acute inflammation of the intestinal tract. Initial signs of nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and fever are followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea. Intestinal anthrax results in death in 25 percent to 60 percent of cases. Early recognition and treatment can improve survival rates. Back To Top Q: How is Anthrax treated or prevented? A: Anthrax responds well to antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics must be prescribed and taken with medical advice. Nobody should attempt to use antibiotics or any other drugs to treat or protect themselves without first getting medical advice. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can be harmful. The FDA has approved several different antibiotics for treatment of Anthrax. Specific recommendations on antibiotic usage for Anthrax are changing, so visit www.bt.cdc.gov or call The CDC Public Response Hotline: English (888) 246-2675 or Spanish (888) 246-2857 for the latest details. Back To Top Q: What is smallpox? A: Smallpox, a DNA virus, is a member of the genus orthopoxvirus. The orthopoxviruses are among the largest and most complex of all viruses. Before vaccinations became available, smallpox was worldwide in scope. Smallpox was eliminated in 1980. Back To Top Q: How is smallpox spread? A: Smallpox infected saliva droplets or inhaled aerosol droplets can spread smallpox person to person. People with smallpox are most contagious during the first week of illness because that is when the largest amount of the virus is in saliva. Some risk of spread lasts until all scabs have fallen off. Infected clothing or bed linen could also spread the virus. Bedding and clothing of people with smallpox should be cleaned with bleach and hot water. Bleach and ammonia can be used for cleaning surfaces. Back To Top Q: What is the incubation period and symptoms of smallpox? A: The incubation period is usually 12 days following contact, although the incubation range is 7 to 17 days. Initial symptoms include high fever, weakness, head and backache. A rash appears in 2-3 days on the mouth, face, arms, and legs. The rash starts with flat red lesions. Lesions become pus-filled after a few days and then scab early in the second week. Scabs then separate and fall off after 3-4 weeks. Approximately 70% of people that get smallpox recover while 30% of the cases are fatal. Back To Top Q: How is smallpox treated? A: There is no proven treatment for smallpox but research is ongoing. People infected with smallpox can benefit from antibiotics and supportive therapy such as medicine to control fever or pain. Back To Top Q: If I got the smallpox vaccination in the past am I immune from getting smallpox? A: The level of immunity, if any, among persons who were vaccinated before 1972 is uncertain. For those who were vaccinated, it is not known how long immunity lasts. Prior illness with smallpox provides lifelong immunity. Back To Top Q: Can I get the smallpox vaccine from my doctor? A: Since the vaccine is no longer recommended, the vaccine is not available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains an emergency supply of vaccine that can be released if necessary, since post exposure vaccination can help. Back To Top |
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