As discussed on Channel 7, we are once again hearing a great deal of news about the H1N1 flu virus in the past weeks. Locally, dozens of freshman cadets at the Air Force Academy were quarantined after being diagnosed with the virus. Nationally, we are hearing news of a new vaccine, as well as research on the virulence of the virus – which is the ability of the virus to produce serious illness. So, what are we to think about how this applies to our families and how should we be preparing for the upcoming flu season?
The most recent issue of Nature magazine has an article about the virulence of H1N1. In general, it has been a mild flu virus to date. The authors found a few features of the virus that they believe could mean a the fall flu season with H1N1 could potentially be more serious. One reason is that, unlike typical flu viruses, this virus was found in cells deep in the lung, raising concerns that it could be more likely to cause pneumonia. The second concerning finding was that while most of us do not have antibodies – the things that help us fight infections we’ve already had – in our blood, people who were exposed to the 1918 flu did have antibodies. The 1918 flu season was a very serious outbreak with many deaths and widespread illness.
It is important to remember that these are just clues that scientists are putting together to predict what might happen and help us all prepare for what is ahead. The good news is that Novartis, a drug company, has reported creating the first batch of flu vaccine. While the vaccine won’t be ready for public distribution until October, we do have that defense on the horizon. In addition, we now have antiviral medications that can help treat cases of flu and help stop the spread of flu in those exposed.
It appears that scientists are not the only ones that are concerned. A study from Harvard School of Public Health showed that 6 out of 10 Americans are concerned that this fall could be a bad flu season. So what should we do to prepare for that possibility? Really, it is the same things we do every year for the flu season:
1) Wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer frequently. Begin now so that everyone in your family has this important habit ingrained prior to the flu season.
2) Keep your hands away from your face
3) Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue
4) Don’t go out, to work, the store or a friend’s home when you are ill
5) Prepare your home by keeping 3-5 days worth of food and water in your home in case your family gets ill
5) When the vaccine comes out, talk to your physician and follow his or her advice about getting the vaccine
Looking for more information?
CDC Information:- This site has tips on how to take care of yourself if you get the flu, maps of where the flu has been and links to updates from the CDC on H1N1
Wishing you good health,
Dr. Dianne
October 16th, 2009 at 4:13 am
H1N1 or Swine Flu is a bit scary but it a good thing to note that this virus is not that very deadly. .