Fighting the Flu
The annual seasonal flu — a contagious respiratory illness caused by a variety of influenza viruses — can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Complications may include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
Influenza H1N1, initially called “swine flu,” is a new influenza virus that began circulating and causing influenza earlier in 2009. Since it is a new influenza virus, large segments of the population have not been infected with the virus before, and therefore are at risk for getting infection from this strain of influenza.
There has been a lot of attention to this virus mainly because it is new and we are uncertain how severe the illness will be among those who get the virus. To date, most of the people who have been infected with H1N1 flu have had mild clinical illness and have recovered without requiring therapy.
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated against the circulating strains of influenza. Each year the flu shot is specifically designed to cover the circulating seasonal strains. About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. The federal government is developing a vaccine for the H1N1 flu. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses.
Take common sense actions to stay healthy:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, scrubbing for 10 to 15 seconds, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially after you cough or sneeze or when around others who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- If you have the flu, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of used tissues immediately after use, and wash your hands.
- Do not share eating utensils or drinks and wash your hands or use waterless hand sanitizer after shaking hands with anyone.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds, and other social distancing measures. These measures will continue to be important after a novel H1N1 vaccine is available because they can prevent the spread of other viruses that cause respiratory infections.