Flu season

The flu season is upon us and we are getting daily reports from newspapers and radio and television about the spread of seasonal flu and the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu).  I have received numerous questions concerning “What is Going On!”

Each year waves of flu sweep across the nation and are more prevalent in the Fall and Winter.  However, flu viruses are with us year round and often there are several strains of flu circulating at once.  Flu shots are actually a mix of various flu viruses that are more prevalent that year.

Recently the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (MDHMH) sent me a leaflet concerning this flu season and some helpful tips and information concerning both seasonal flu and H1N1 Flu.

H1N1 Flu – What is it?

H1N1 (Swine) flu is a new virus making people sick.  The World Health Organization has classified it as a global pandemic.  It first appeared in the United State in April 2009.  Much like yearly seasonal flu viruses, this new strain causes both mild and severe illnesses, and deaths have occurred.

What are the symptoms?

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Tiredness and weakness
• Dry Cough
• Chills
• Body or muscle ache

Emergency Warning Signs that require urgent medical attention:

In children:

• High or prolonged fever
• Fast or troubled breathing
• Bluish or grey skin color
• Unable to drink enough fluids (dehydration)
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Changes in mental status such as difficulty waking up, not interacting, or seizures
• Improvement and then return of fever or worse cough
• Worsening of underlying chronic medical condition

In adults:

• High or prolonged fever
• Fast or troubled breathing
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Improvement and then return of fever or worse cough

How does it spread:

The H1N1 (Swine) Flu virus spreads in the same way that regular seasonal flu spreads – mainly through the coughing and sneezing of people with the flu.  Sometimes, healthy people may be infected by touching something with flu viruses on it, and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.

People infected with seasonal and H1N1 (Swine) flu may be able to infect others, from one day before getting sick to five to seven days after.  The infectious time can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems.

How can I protect my family and myself from the flu?

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners also work well.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.  Germs spread this way.
• If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.
• Follow public health advice such as “keeping your distance” from other people to lessen the spread of the flu.
• Develop a family emergency plan.  (see pandemicflu.gov/plan/index.html)

Some of you who in the past have taken the seasonal flu shot have expressed concerns that the H1N1 vaccinations are not available.  There are only a limited number of firms who produce vaccines for all types of diseases.  When it became evident that a new type of flu was making people sick, the manufacturers who make seasonal flu vaccines had already make their production mix for 2009-2010.  The mix could not be altered at that time to include H1N1.  When the government asked manufacturers how quickly they could mass produce a new vaccine, their answer was over confident.  They have not been able to deliver a large amount quickly.  However, they are still working on getting the vaccines out; and they assure those who want the vaccines, that there will be plenty of vaccines available.

Remember, the flu season will last well into next Spring.  The protections suggested by the MDHMH sound like a common sense and just to be “sure” all of us should start these practices at home, school, work, or in any group.  If you have any question about any of the information related to the seasonal flu or the H1N1 virus, please talk to your health professional for clarification.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday season which is fast approaching and that you and your family stay well.