There is much discussion recently about the "Swine Flu", or H1N1, as it is classified by the CDC. This strain of influenza originating in Mexico, and is now being reported in isolated cases around the globe.
I have read reports of Emergency Rooms being swamped with people who fear for their lives if they or their children get so much as a case of the sniffles.
This article is to give you some guidelines to prevent infection, and what to do if you think you may have H1N1.
SYMPTOMS: Directly from the CDC web site:
"The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions."
PREVENTION:
WASH YOUR HANDS: Wash your hands with soap and the warmest water you can tolerate every time you get the chance, especially when out in public.Wash vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable, but note that you MUST wash with soap and water after every third or fourth time you use the gel, as it builds up on your hands, and becomes somewhat of a "bacteria magnet" if not washed off between uses.
COVER UP: Cover your mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, then throw the tissue in the trash. Don't put it in your pocket or purse to incubate. That will only serve to grow more bacteria.
STAY AWAY: From sick people. If you are ill, stay home. REALLY. Home, not just home from work or school and out running to the store or other errands.
AVOID TOUCHING: Counter tops, furniture or other things in the vicinity of someone who is ill themselves. You can pick up the virus from inanimate objects as well as from a person directly.
CLEAN: Keep your own home or office clean. Wipe surfaces with an antibacterial surface cleaner every day.
ALSO AVOID: Touching your eyes, nose and mouth( mucous membranes), before washing your hands. If you have the virus on your hands, it can readily enter the body through these portals.
TREATMENT:
ANTIVIRALS: Take an Antiviral medication at the first sign of illness. There are many available through both prescription and over the counter methods.
DISCLAIMER: The Flu vaccine you received in the fall is ineffective toward this strain. As a matter of fact, any flu vaccine is only effective against the three strains that the WHO indicated would be the most prevalent this year.
A FINAL THOUGHT: Do not panic if you feel yourself getting ill. The reports of this flu strain may be sensationalized all over the news, but in fact, is quite rare in occurrence. Chances are, if you become ill with a flu, it will merely be a random illness of which you will recover with or without medication. When in doubt, see your doctor.
CDC Web Site
Quote fro CDC, above, used with permission.
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Comments: 68
Flu is serious, as you say, but no cause for panic.
Also, I read that what killed people during that pandemic at the end of World War I was not so much the flu but strep infections (bacteria) they got along with the virus. One author said he didn't think we'd have huge numbers of people dying in developed nations because of the access to health care and antibiotics.
One thing not listed in your article for prevention, and something that is very important is SLEEP. You are much more likely to get sick from pretty much anything if you aren't getting enough sleep. Sleep keeps our immune system in working order. They've actually done a study with the common cold that showed people with more sleep were less likely to get sick when they injected the cold virus right up their nose! If sleep can protect you from a direct innoculation, it should help a lot with wild viruses, too.
I totally agree, which is why I penned this. All that I have seen on the various news programs indicate a few, isolated cases, when compared to run of the mill influenza outbreaks. I read a post this morning by spartan, who's daughter is an MD, which indicated how bad the ER's are being overloaded with panicked citizens.
You are absolutely right. Rest is an important key to preventing any illness, including this one. By the way, unless there is an overriding bacterial illness, such as bronchitis, pneumonia etc...antibiotics are worthless on viral illnesses.
Rob,
Exactly. That is why I posted this. It is "A Flu", and should be treated as such.
My friend was in a gas station store the other day and mentioned her sister has been sick for a couple of weeks (sis works in a medical facility) and her niece got back from Mexico about 3 weeks ago. A woman started yelling at her and she was told to get out of the store immediately.
I had to laugh when the reporter on the local news said to stay home for 7 days if you feel ill. She did not offer to pay anyone's bills.
Open the windows and air out the house for at least 10 minutes every day. Main germs are airborne, so blow 'em out.
When family members have been ill, replace the toothbrushes with new ones. It's an inexpensive way to prevent re-infection.
Of course, riding the whole panic wave (we've been getting twice daily updates here at work -- a major university) this would be a good time to take a week off. :) Oh yeah, I have the swine flu. I'd better stay home ... and work on a tan :) How many people do you think are doing this? I bet it's more than just one.
Of couse, you should stay home any time you have the flu. I get frustrated when the person packing my groceries is coughing all over my food. I feel like I should put it out in the sun for a couple hours. Of course, the ice cream would be a casualty.
Yeah, it would be a great band name, but I'd bet they would just do INXS covers. That's horrible about your friend in the gas station. I remember, just post 9/11, the owner of a carry out I frequented started affecting a Mexican accent to cover up his Pakistani one. What a pity.
Jan,
Airing out the house is always a good idea, but in the case of this virus, it is only airborne following a sneeze, cough, laugh, etc..otherwise, it settles on surfaces.
Barb,
Even those with sick days are often encouraged to show up at work anyways. I remember being called in to work when I had double pneumonia and a fever of 103. They even sent someone to pick me up. The Dept. of Health had shown up for their annual inspection, and I was the "go to gal", so to speak. The health inspectors themselves didn't say a word about my oh-so-obvious illness.
I feel bad for you, I really do. I've been there so many times, its scary.
Right now 3 of us at work are sick, I was first so they teasingly blame me, but this cold/flu whatever we have has actually been bouncing around the booth all winter. I am taking lysol to work and wiping down as much as I can reach tonight.
That may be true in some cases, but not viral illnesses. From the CDC:
"People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces."
You are right about the airline air. It IS a closed system and you would be breathing everyone else's air for the duration of the flight. BUT, and its a pretty ample BUT, I wouldn't let this scare frighten me off anything I was looking forward to.
Nah, not EEK. Maybe an AW, or even an "ACK", but its not nearly the EEK its made out to be.
You might want to get that looked at.
Yes it certainly does.
Sure beats stupidity, doesn't it?
SWINE FLU FACT OR FICTION
Sandy A
I'm so much stronger now in my recuperation even though my mobility skills aren't all the way back (I'll be using one of those electric shopping carts and I'm notoriously bad with them). I just need to get out for a little.
I went to the website, and while it does contain some of the same information I have recommended above, I cannot in good conscience advise anyone to go to the site, as it is for the most part as sensationalistic propaganda for not getting vaccinated against anything.
Please do not post links to this site on anything I write, whether it be you yourself, your husband or whatever alter you may be using.
Sandy A
sorry, forgot to sign my name..
Sandy A
The CDC is working to inform. We can only hope folks will do their best to take care of themselves and to prevent the spread of illness to others. I understand the financial concerns of those without benefits who choose to go to work, but in the end you are taking the chance of infecting others and continuing to be ill. We think of wearing a mask to protect ourselves from infection, consider wearing one to prevent the spread of infection. Cough or sneeze into your elbow bend as this will keep the germs away from your hands. Wash you hands, use sanitizer, and wipes to stop the spread as best you can.
Grems, so the masks are just to slow down the droplets? I suppose the viruses have to be attached to *something* ... and they don't exactly crawl or anything. I just see the openings on the sides and wonder just how useful they really are ...
Thank you for mentioning protective masks. Just remember that a mask will only provide protection until it gets moist from your breath. For those who are not used to wearing one, think about how moist your scarf gets when you wrap it around your face in the winter. When I used to teach Infection control, I would tell my pupils, if they are in a situation which requires a mask, grab 3.
Barb,
The virus is spread via the airborne route. When someone coughs, sneezes, laughs or sometimes even breathes, the droplets, which are microscopic, are released into the air.
They do not stay suspended in the air, but fall to a surface, where they can live for up to two hours.
Your article about your daughter was my inspiration.
I've never had any kind of flu in my lifetime(knock on wood) and not planning to get any, any time soon.
Thanks for the information.
Good info.
Really? The CDC is mistaken? Personally, I don't think the over the counter antivirals are very effective on a good day, against any strain. I stand by my, and the CDC recommendations to start an antiviral within 48 hours of feeling ill.
I agree completely. Considering there are approx. 36,000 people who die from "the flu" annually, this one seems pale in comparison, yet the media is blowing it up like it is the Black Death, or Captain Trips for "The Stand".
Sophie,
Unfortunately, your sister is not alone. Precaution is not a bad thing, but to go overboard at this point is premature.
Thank you, I do what I can.
Since I’m in the middle of Finals week, I hate to admit, but I must give in to the temptation of leaving a generic comment
But to give it a little personal touch, I added some artwork for you to enjoy!
<font size="1">MySpace Glitters</font>
And I am singing "Flu Send ME...Darling, fluoouuuu, thrill me, honest you do, honest you do.......right back atcha/
Michelle,
You are right about the absurdity that is floating around.
You don't NEED their stinkin' permission.
Nice regurgitation though, very entertaining.....
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