Swine Flu

Just want to throw my opinion out there...

The Hype

-Vaccines are a good thing. People who say differently have not remembered the history of this world or nation in the pre vaccination era. There were many many many deaths and disorders that came from illnesses caused by the vaccinations we now offer and take for granted.

----Now, having said this, there is a lot of hype over this Swine Flu (AKA: H1N1, or Influenza A) pandemic. In talking to some of the most respected Emergency Medicine physicians, they don't even give Tamiflu (drug given within 48 hours after onset of the Type A or B flu), the drug to help shorten the flu symptoms. Their reasoning? The H1N1 isn't that bad. As a matter of fact, you probably had it yourself already.

The conspiracytheory

-If the book Rainbow Six comes to mind then you have some reason to fear. ;)

Now, here is some info from MD Consult (physicians on-line reference).

Alternative Names

Swine flu; Influenza A

Causes

Earlier forms of the H1N1 virus were found in pigs. Over time, the virus changed (mutated) and can now infect humans. Because H1N1 is a new virus in humans, your immune system cannot fight the virus very well. As a result, it has spread quickly around the world.

The largest number of H1N1 flu cases have occurred in people ages 5 - 24. Few cases, and no deaths, have been reported in people older than age 64.

The H1N1 flu virus can spread from person to person when:

• Someone with the flu coughs or sneezes into air that others breathe in.

• Someone touches a door knob, desk, computer, or counter with the H1N1 germs on it and then touches their mouth, eyes, or nose.

• Someone touches mucus of a child or others while taking care of them when they are ill with the H1N1 flu virus

You CANNOT get H1N1 flu virus from eating pork or any other food, drinking water, swimming in pools, or using a hot tubs or saunas.

Symptoms

Symptoms of H1N1 flu infection in humans are similar to classic flu-like symptoms, which might include:

• Fever above 100.4 °F

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Headache

• Chills

• Muscle aches and fatigue

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

Exams and Tests

If you think you have been exposed to H1N1 influenza, call your health care provider before your visit. The medical staff may want to take proper precautions to protect themselves and other patients during your office visit.

Because the H1N1 flu has become widespread, most people do not need to be tested for it when they have symptoms.

Your doctor may test you for the H1N1 flu virus by swabbing the back of the inside of your nose if:

• You are at high risk for flu complications.

• Others at high risk of flu complications have been in close contact with you.

• You are very sick.

Your doctor may:

• Look in your mouth, throat, nose, and ears

• Listen to your lungs

• Perform a chest x-ray

Treatment

Most people who get H1N1 flu will likely recover without needing medical care or special antiviral medications. Check with your health care provider about whether you should take antiviral medications to treat the H1N1 flu.

Doctors may prescribe antiviral drugs to treat people who become very sick with the flu or are at high risk for flu complications. The following people may be at high risk:

• Children younger than 5 years old, especially those younger than age 2

• Adults 65 years of age and older

• People with:

  • Chronic lung (including asthma) or heart conditions (except high blood pressure)

  • Kidney, liver, neurologic, and neuromuscular conditions

  • Blood disorders (including sickle cell disease)

  • Diabetes and other metabolic disorders

  • An immune system that does not work well, such as AIDS patients or cancer patients receiving chemotherapy

Other high risk people include:

• Pregnant women

• Anyone younger than age 19 receiving long-term aspirin therapy

• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities

People who may receive antiviral medications after coming into close contact with a person who is known to have, or probably is infected with the H1N1 virus, include:

• Those at high risk for complications of influenza

• Health care workers, public health workers, or first responders

Oseltamivir or zanamivir are the two drugs recommended for the treatment or prevention of infection with the H1N1, or swine, influenza virus.

People with H1N1 flu should also:

• Get plenty of rest

• Drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, and electrolyte beverages for infants)

• Watch for emergency warning signs (see below)

There ya go. Happy Fall, Haloween, and beginnings of Winter.