Swine Influenza aka H1N1

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. In the recent outbreak cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1), viruses were first reported in Mexico. Ninety one (9!) cases of swine flu infection have now been reported in the United States and additional cases have been reported internationally.
The CDC has determined that the swine influenza virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people. In addition, it is unclear why the disease is mild in all locations except Mexico. To date, there have been no fatalities and few people requiring hospitalization outside of Mexico. The one current fatality is a Mexican citizen who was being treated in the U.S.
There is increasing concern that this virus will become easily transmissible from person to person, and that a pandemic will occur. The severity of such a pandemic depends upon the virulence of the virus, which is uncertain at this time. A pandemic is a global disease outbreak that affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population. The H1N1 virus is a likely candidate to cause the next pandemic, although no one can predict with certainty that a pandemic will occur.
Human vaccines for the virus that causes swine flu have not been developed. There is no evidence that the individuals who received the seasonal flu vaccine have immunity to swine flu. Two anti-viral medications, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir), have been shown to be effective in treating swine flu.

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Face Masks and Hand-Washing May Stop Flu

Amy Norton

Face masks and clean hands may be key to preventing the influenza virus from spreading among family members, a study published Monday suggests.

The study, of 259 Hong Kong households, found that when family members wore face masks and minded their hand hygiene, the odds of catching the flu from an ill relative dropped by two-thirds.

The key was to start taking the two measures within 36 hours of the stricken family member's first symptoms. Flu symptoms typically include fever, sore throat, body aches and headache that arise suddenly.

The findings point to simple, inexpensive ways to curb flu transmission during both regular influenza season and during pandemics like the current swine flu (H1N1) outbreak, the researchers report in the online edition of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

"Some people may have the misconception that flu is so infectious that very little can be done to prevent household transmission," lead researcher Dr. Benjamin J. Cowling, an assistant professor at the University of Hong Kong School of Public Health, told Reuters Health in an email. "Our study demonstrates that this is not the case."

For the study, Cowling and his colleagues followed 259 households in which one family member had a confirmed case of influenza. The researchers randomly assigned each household into one of three groups: one that received education on a healthy diet and lifestyle; one that was instructed on good hand hygiene; and one that was instructed on both hand hygiene and face mask use.

In both hand-hygiene groups, family members were given liquid soap and told to wash their hands whenever they used the bathroom, sneezed or coughed. They were also given alcohol-based hand rub, to be used whenever they first arrived home and immediately after touching any potentially virus-contaminated surface.

Families in the face mask group were given disposable surgical masks to wear whenever they were not eating or sleeping.

Over the next week, family members in 19 percent of the study households developed a confirmed case of the flu. That risk was two- thirds lower in households where the hand-washing/face mask intervention was begun within 36 hours of a family member's first flu symptoms.

The risk was also somewhat lower in the hand-hygiene group.

The fact that hand-washing appeared effective, Cowling said, shows that the flu can spread via direct contact and, more indirectly, by touching virus-contaminated household objects like door handles, light switches and TV remotes.

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Why You must take the Flu Shot this Flu Season?

Each winter, millions of people suffer from the flu. Flu—the short name for influenza—is caused by viruses. Viruses are very small germs. Some viruses can spread easily from one person to another. They cause illnesses or infections like the flu.

For some people, flu is a mild illness. For older people, especially those who have health problems like diabetes or heart disease, the flu can be very serious.

How Serious Is Flu?

Most people who get the flu feel much better in a week or two. But, some people can get very sick. For example, because your body is busy fighting off the flu, you might pick up a second infection. Older people are at great risk of these secondary infections, such as pneumonia.

How Does Flu Spread?

It was mid-November, and Ellen had not gotten a flu shot. One day she was out having lunch with a friend and noticed people sneezing and coughing at the next table. Two days later, Ellen woke up feeling achy and had a fever. She had the flu. Her husband Jack took care of her and was careful to wash his hands after touching Ellen’s dishes. But, a few days later he too was sick. Maybe he used the phone just after Ellen finished talking with their son. Or, maybe he touched a doorknob Ellen used after sneezing. Flu spreads easily from one person to another.

The flu is contagious—that means it spreads from person to person, often through the air. You can pass on the infection before you feel sick. You are contagious for several days after you get sick. You can catch the flu when someone near you coughs or sneezes. Or, if you touch something the virus is on, like Ellen and Jack’s phone or doorknob, and then touch your nose or mouth, you could catch the flu. The flu virus can live on a surface like a book or doorknob for a number of hours. Remember to wash your hands often when you are around someone who is sick. Make a point of washing them before eating and touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you can, stay away from sick people. That will help stop the flu from spreading.

Is It the Flu or a Cold?

It’s easy to confuse a common cold with the flu. A cold is milder than the flu, but since the flu can make older people very sick, you should know the difference. That way you will know when to call the doctor who might want to give you a prescription for medicines that can help you get over the flu.

People with the flu can have fever, chills, dry cough, general aches and pains, and a headache. They feel very tired. Sore throat, sneezing, stuffy nose, or stomach problems are less common. What some people call “stomach flu” is not influenza.

Why Do You Need A Flu Shot Every Year?

Flu viruses change often. Each year’s virus is just a little different than the year before. So every year the vaccine in the flu shot is changed. That’s one reason why you need a flu shot every fall.

Are There Side Effects?

Most people have no problem with a flu shot. In fact, for most people, the flu is more dangerous than the flu shot. When you get the flu shot, your arm might be sore, red, or swell a bit. These side effects may start shortly after getting the shot and can last up to 2 days. They should not get in the way of your daily activities. A few people do have a headache or a low-grade fever for about a day after they get the shot. The flu shot cannot cause you to get the flu. If you are allergic to eggs, you should not get the flu shot. Because eggs are used to make the flu vaccine, people who are allergic to eggs could have a serious reaction to the shot.

What Can I Do if I’m Sick?

If you get the flu, there are things you can do to feel better. First, call your doctor to see if there are medicines that can help. Remind him or her if you are taking drugs to fight cancer or other medicines that make it hard for your body to fight illness. There are prescription drugs, called antivirals, that are used to treat people with the flu. If you take them within 48 hours after the flu begins, these drugs can make you feel better more quickly. Antibiotics do not help you get over the flu. They are sometimes prescribed to help you get over a secondary infection if it is caused by bacteria. Bacteria are a different type of germ than viruses.

Antivirals can also be used to prevent flu. If you hear that there is a flu outbreak in your area, check with your doctor. He or she could prescribe an antiviral that might protect you. Prevention is key. The first choice for preventing the flu is a flu shot.

If you are sick, try to rest in bed and drink plenty of fluids, like juice and water but not alcohol. Medicine such as aspirin or acetaminophen can bring down your fever, which might help with the aches and pains. It is important not to smoke if you are sick with the flu. It is a respiratory illness that can infect your lungs, as well as your nasal passages. These same areas are also bothered by smoking. Take it easy as much as you can until you are well.

Can Flu Be Prevented?

Getting a flu shot every year can help you stay healthy. A flu shot contains the flu vaccine, which could keep you from getting the flu. Medicare will pay for the shot, and so will many private health insurance plans. You can get a flu shot at your doctor’s office or from your local health department. Sometimes grocery or drug stores offer flu shots.

A flu shot won’t keep everyone healthy. But, getting the flu shot every year can mean that if you do get the flu, you might have only a mild case.

Who Should Get a Flu Shot?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, part of the Federal Government, says that people age 50 and older should get a flu shot every year. Anyone who lives with or takes care of people age 50 or older should also have a flu shot every year.

When Should I Get My Flu Shot?

Most people get the flu between November and April. That’s why that time is called the flu season. It takes at least 2 weeks for your shot to start working, so try to get your flu shot in October or early November. Don’t worry if you can’t get your flu shot before the flu season starts. The shot can help keep you healthy no matter when you get it.

What Can I Do if I’m Sick?

If you get the flu, there are things you can do to feel better. First, call your doctor to see if there are medicines that can help. Remind him or her if you are taking drugs to fight cancer or other medicines that make it hard for your body to fight illness. There are prescription drugs, called antivirals, that are used to treat people with the flu. If you take them within 48 hours after the flu begins, these drugs can make you feel better more quickly. Antibiotics do not help you get over the flu. They are sometimes prescribed to help you get over a secondary infection if it is caused by bacteria. Bacteria are a different type of germ than viruses.

Antivirals can also be used to prevent flu. If you hear that there is a flu outbreak in your area, check with your doctor. He or she could prescribe an antiviral that might protect you. Prevention is key. The first choice for preventing the flu is a flu shot.

If you are sick, try to rest in bed and drink plenty of fluids, like juice and water but not alcohol. Medicine such as aspirin or acetaminophen can bring down your fever, which might help with the aches and pains. It is important not to smoke if you are sick with the flu. It is a respiratory illness that can infect your lungs, as well as your nasal passages. These same areas are also bothered by smoking. Take it easy as much as you can until you are well.

It is important to check with your doctor when you first get the flu. Also, call your doctor if:

* your fever goes away and then comes back; you may have a more dangerous infection.
* you start having breathing or heart problems or other serious health problems.
* you feel sick and don’t seem to be getting better.
* you have a cough that begins to make thick mucus.

What About the “Bird” Flu?

Sometimes a new, different kind of flu virus appears. You may have heard about the avian or bird flu. This flu is an example of how changes in a flu virus might lead to serious illness. However, there is some good news about bird flu. It is rare in people. In most cases, the bird flu has not passed from one person to another, and so, it might not become widespread in humans. But this could change over time. Scientists are working on new vaccines that can help protect people from bird flu. Right now, the flu does not protect you against bird flu.

Things to Remember About the Flu

* The flu can be dangerous for older people.
* The flu can be prevented.
* Older people need a flu shot every year.
* Medicare pays for the flu shot.
* The flu shot is safe.

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