Common Sense on Swine Flu

This is one of those topics that the media is just not fit to tell.

Look, let us be realistic: most media members are people who probably took little or no science while they were getting their journalism or english degrees at their nice liberal arts schools. They are on TV because they look gorgeous and can speak coherently...no more, no less. And other than a few science and medical experts ala Sanjay Gupta, there is little good advice going on.

Things are getting scarier, with almost 150 deaths in Mexico, and the death of the first American, a toddler in Texas. Cases have been reported through out the world. Still, it is time to be rational, not go crazy.

So here is some common sense.

1. Don't Panic.

2. Listen to your momma.

Wash your hands. Close your mouth when you cough. Eat well. Take your vitamins. None of these are going to protect you absolutely, but the better you live, the less likely you are going to get sick.

3. If you have flu symptoms, see your doctor.

Now, this may be the most important thing. Everyone knows the symptoms of the flu, and most of us have had it in the past: fevers, headaches, bodyaches. With the Swine Flu, vomiting has also been seen. If you see these symptoms coming on, see your doctor. It doesn't mean rush to the ER necessarily...only do so if you are doing terrible. But get to your doctor. Antivirals such as Tamiflu are most efficacious when started early in the infection cycle. Additionally, your family could be put on it early as well, limiting their exposure. And remember: vaccinations to other flu strains is not protective to the Swine Flu, so don't have any misconceptions about protection.

4. Understanding what is going on.

First, this is not yet a pandemic. It is really an epidemic yet. Right now, we in the medical community don't know how deep or severe this outbreak is. We saw our first death in the U.S. on Wednesday, a child in Texas. Is this the 'tip of the iceberg'? Nobody knows. But stay rational.

For example, if you are worried, stay at home or away from crowded areas. This is by no means necessary, just an extra safe precaution. Face masks are of dubious use. They will protect you from aerosolized forms of the virus, but experts are unsure of if this form of the flu is transmitted very well in aersolized form. More likely personal contact is the primary form of transmission.

Take simple and common sense protections. We don't know enough about Swine Flu to start a panic yet. Right now, it is something to think about, not something to worry about.