1,000 Swine Flu Deaths Expected in Alabama

Swine Flu (H1N1) has become a pandemic, and in Alabama absence rates in schools are expected to hit around 40% this fall, and 20% for workplace absences.

In Montgomery Dr. Don Williamson, one of Alabama officials for state health, held a 90-minute briefing on the subject of the H1N1 virus. During this briefing he told the audience that the H1N1 virus has spread worldwide faster than any other virus in history. He also noted that there has been a plan in action in Alabama for months already to help prevent the spread of the virus. With children heading back to school we may see a rise in cases.

It is expected that the cases of swing flu in Alabama will spike before a vaccination is available. Dr. Williamson estimated that the number of deaths caused by this spike will be around 1,000, far less that the federal government has predicted which is around 3,000.

When taking a deeper look into the 436 deaths across the U.S. so far, we find that the people at most risk are those who already have other health issues whether they are diagnosed or not, and those who are obese. Alabama has one of the highest obesity rates in the nation with 1 in 3 people being obese, and when we look at the numbers associated with the swine flu, 34% of swine flu deaths are in those who are obese.

The relationship between obesity and deaths caused by swine flu has still not been pinpointed, but it is expected to be related the respiratory problems that obesity causes and the relationship between obesity and undiagnosed diabetes.

Swine Flu Vaccine

While there is currently a vaccine it will not be available until late September or October because it has to go through human safety testing first. After this vaccine for the swing flu does become available, it will be allocated to children first, followed by pregnant women, caregivers of young children, health care workers, and then adults age 25-64.

The distribution of the swine flu vaccine will not be the same as the distribution of most vaccines. Most of the vaccinations given are purchased and distributed by private doctors or businesses. In the case of the H1N1 vaccine, the State Department of Public Health will acquire the vaccine and then they will distribute it amongst schools, clinics, businesses, and other places that will offer the vaccine.

Another issue with the swine flu will be how people handle the swine flu in the mix of the regular flu season. Those who are getting vaccinated this year could require up to three vaccines before flu season is over. The will be vaccinated for the regular strain of the flu as early as the end of August and then vaccinated at least one more time if not twice over the course of the fall and winter for the swine flu.

Precautions

There are several precautions to take to help prevent the spread of the swine flu. Hand washing is the key, regular hand washing for a minimum of thirty seconds while scrubbing the whole hand including under the fingernails and use of antimicrobial or at least antibacterial soap. Use hand sanitizer in between hand washing. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze.

Use tissues for nose wiping or blowing your nose. Stay home if you are sick and if you spike a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, then stay home for at least 24 hours after the temperature has dropped below 100 degrees. The swine flu is highly contagious and will infect approximately 1 in 5 people who come in contact with an infected person.

The highest rates of hospitalization for the swine flu are those who have no real immune defenses to disease, children under four. The next most likely to be hospitalized are those in the age group of 5-24 years old. These are people who are constantly in school or other social situations and can easily spread the infection.

Other precautions to take include businesses instituting plans for running with a high percentage of workers absent due to swine flu and school instituting plans for make up work. Parents also need to plan ahead. "Now we have to decide which one of us will take time off and make arrangements for our daughter," Odom said.

This is one of the many situations that parents will face. Single parents will find this to be one of the most difficult aspects of dealing with the swine flu virus. Homes with more than one parent are faced with a situation where the parents need to sit down and devise a plan of what to do if a child gets sick as well as what to do if one of the parents gets sick.

All in all, the best way to prevent getting the swine flu both before and after the vaccine is available is to practice good hygiene and keep your hands clean. If you do get sick, stay home to prevent the spread of the disease. Make sure to stay in touch with your doctor to assess your risk and get vaccinated for the swine flu. With just a few precautions and a little planning ahead, the predicted swine flu death toll can be drastically curbed.

Sources:

ai.com. "Alabama Braces For Hundreds of Swine Flu Deaths"