H1N1 is Here--Again!

Yes, Novel H1N1 is still here, I guess it never went away. As of the end of last week, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the H1N1 is widespread throughout most of the USA. The exceptions are South Carolina and Washington DC, where the flu is more regional or local. This many reports of widespread activity are unprecedented during seasonal flu. The number of visits to the doctors for influenza like symptoms have increased drastically. And the number of influenza hospitalizations have increased, being higher than expected for this time of year. There is also a correlating increase in the death rate from influenza and pneumonia related symptoms. Sadly there were 19 confirmed pediatric deaths from H1N1 during the week of October 18-4, 2009.
So what do we do to help protect our families from this influenza? The same suggestions from earlier this year still work. One of the main things to keep in mind is to STAY HOME when you have a fever! People who are determined to go to work or school when they are ill are not helping anyone! So stay home when you have a fever and fell bad. With this flu, it has been found that you can be contagious for more than 7 days after your fever goes away!
* Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
* 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. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub such as Purell. The Purell site has lots of tips too!
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread that way. Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Keep yourself healthy by taking care of your diet, exercise and vitamins!

Swine Flu! What is it and How to Reduce Your Risk

What is it? Swine Flu is a respiratory viral infection that seems to be very contagious to humans. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir(brand name Tamiflu) and zanamivir(brand name Relenza).
Symptoms? Fever, sore throat, chills, fatigue, cough, body aches and headaches. Vomiting and diarrhea may also be present.
How is it passed in humans? Sneezing, coughing and touch are the most common ways. The swine flu virus can live on surfaces for 2 hours or longer! So cover your nose and mouth should you sneeze or cough. You may be infected and not know it!
How to reduce your risk of catching the flu: Simple common sense things are suggested for this as well as colds and the like. * Stay in good health, get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, keep your nutrition up and drink plenty of fluids such as water or fruit juices. * Wash hands for 15 seconds, then rinse with warm water. Dry well on disposable towels. * Resist touching surfaces in public areas such as elevator buttons, door knobs, and phones. When greeting friends or business associates don’t shake hands. * Should you have to touch any surface in a public space, avoid touching your face or eyes or mouth till you can wash again. * Please stay at home should you begin to feel ill. Don’t go to work and infect others. * You are contagious about 24 hours before you begin to have symptoms and for at least 7 days or more after the symptoms appear. This means you can pass the swine flu on to others before you know you are sick as well as during the illness. * If you must sneeze or cough in public, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, then discard the used tissue in the trash.

When to seek medical assistance:
Severe vomiting, dehydration, bluish skin color, fast breathing, trouble breathing , confusion, dizziness, fever and rash, sleeping a lot, symptoms that go away only to reappear with even worse fever or cough. In summary, keep your immune system healthy and able to fight for your health. Eat healthy meals, exercise, get plenty of rest and avoid going out in crowds till this passes. You can check with the CDC for updates.