H1N1 Pandemic Facts

Is the swine flu (H1N1) virus pandemic just crazy panic or a justified concern? Get the facts. Stay calm and away from the confusion.

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Swine Flu (H1N1) virus a world-wide pandemic, what does this mean to you and your family? Is there reason to panic or is it a call to pay attention in preparedness? Get the H1N1 flu facts. Be prepared:

1. How contagious is the H1N1 virus?

The CDC admits they don't really know how contagious the H1N1 virus is yet. Since all viruses change regularly and this is a fairly new virus to the world stage, it is still difficult to determine.

2. How is H1N1 spread?

Like other flu viruses, it is spread by sneezing and coughing, and there's a proper way to do it. Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, made sure the whole world received that lesson clearly, in her impromptu demonstration, scolding a reporter for sneezing into his hand at a press conference last week. What was her scolding demo? "Sneeze and cough into the crook of your arm or sleeve!"

Along with the sneezing and coughing, H1N1 is spread on contaminated door knobs, phones, remote controls, shopping carts, toys, keyboards, faucet handles, pens, pencils, and then touching mouth, nose, or eyes.

3. What are the Symptoms?

The symptoms are similar to seasonal flu, and other illnesses. A licensed physician can help in diagnosing properly: Headache, Fever, Runny/Stuffy Nose, Cough, Sore Throat, Chills/Body Aches, and especially in children - Diarrhea & Vomiting.

4. Can I Travel?

Traveling out of the U.S.? If you and everyone in your household feel healthy, go and have a great time. However, don't travel if you feel sick, or if anyone in your household is sick.

When at international airports, be ready to say, "Ahhhh. Some airlines in other countries are taking temperatures of passengers as part of the pre-boarding process. Any passenger showing an elevated temperature is not allowed to board the plane. Check with protocols ahead of time, so you'll be prepared for unexpected delays in travel for this or other reasons.

5. What Should I do If I Get Sick?

If you get sick, do not go to work or school while you have a fever. Continue to wash your hands frequently to prevent spread of infection. If you have others in your household, avoid direct contact like kissing. Drink plenty of fluids. Get lots of rest. Doctors can prescribe drugs to treat people infected with the H1N1 flu which can help reduce serious complications in people with high risk underlying conditions and help individuals recover faster.

6. How do I know When to go to the Emergency Room?

The CDC states ANY of these symptoms should send you to Urgent Care or seek Emergency Room help:

• Symptoms in ADULTS - sudden dizziness, severe/persistent vomiting, confusion, shortness of breath/ difficulty breathing, pain/pressure in chest or abdomen

• Symptoms in CHILDREN - not waking up or interacting, fast breathing or trouble breathing, fever with a rash, bluish skin color, being so irritable child doesn't want to be held, not drinking enough fluid, Flu-like symptoms improve but return with fever and worse cough

7. Can You Avoid Exposure?

The most current CDC Fluview Surveillance Report, and Lynn Pritchett's article: U.S. Areas Hit By Swine Flu http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2190571/us_areas_hit_by_swine_flu_h1n1_virus.html?cat=25 , notes 99% of the influenza specimens tested positive for Swine Flu (H1N1). That means only 1% of the flu virus cases tested were the seasonal flu or another flu virus. Yep, H1N1 is everywhere! Can you avoid it?

With care, you can minimize your chances of catching the H1N1 virus, but 100% assurance of exposure is just unrealistic. Don't panic, however. The H1N1 vaccine will be available in just a few weeks, by mid-October, and there should be plenty of serum to vaccinate those with underlying health conditions, health care workers, others recommended to receive the vaccine, and the very young. It appears that some people aged 60 and over are immune to the H1N1 virus in the U.S.A. because they contracted the Swine Flu in the 1970's outbreak. Consulting with a licensed health professional about specific medical issues regarding each individual's decision whether or not to receive the H1N1 vaccine is advisable.

Also, keep in mind that even though the H1N1 is widespread, most cases so far in the U.S. are very mild. Yes, sadly there have been deaths reported - with underlying medical conditions. Some individuals have needed hospitalization too. Complications can occur and knowledge with preparation is meant to empower individuals, not panic. Again, it cannot be overemphasized that each person's medical needs are unique and consultation with a licensed health professional is advised.

Disclaimer: Information in this article does not replace medical counsel with a licensed health professional and is not intended to make any medical claims whatsoever. The content herein is for informational purposes only. For any medical issue questions seek consultation with a licensed medical professional under all circumstances.

Resources:

How is Swine Flu Diagnosed, by Lynn Pritchett (09/21/2009)
www.prevention.com
www.cdc.gov
www.who.int
www.web.md
www.cbsnews.com