Q: I heard that the H1N1 influenza A virus (swine flu) is spreading further and that the World Health Organization says that we are now at threat level six. What does this mean?
A: The important thing to remember, is not to panic. But a constant state of vigilance is needed. The World Health Organization (WHO), the governing body that raised the pandemic alert to level six, is saying that the threat is only moderate. According to the WHO this means:
- Most people will recover from the flu without the need for hospitalization or medical care.
- Overall, national levels of severe illness from influenza A (H1N1) appear similar to levels seen during local seasonal influenza periods, although high levels of disease have occurred in some local areas and institutions.
- Overall, hospitals and health care systems in most countries have been able to cope with the numbers of people seeking care.
But, it is still too early to tell if the threat may become more serious.
Q: What kinds of precautions should I take to avoid getting H1N1 (swine flu)?
A: Preventing H1N1 flu means taking the same precautions you would at any time to ward off infection. They include:
- Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water after you cough, before you eat or after being in public places. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizing gels will do the job as effectively. Wash for 20 seconds (the time it takes to recite the alphabet).
- Covering your mouth with a tissue or your arm when you sneeze or cough. This will help prevent others from getting sick, stopping the spread of disease.
- Avoiding contact with others who are ill with flu-like symptoms. Stay six feet away at all times.
- Staying home from work or school if you develop flu-like symptoms.
Q: Is it true that I should avoid public places and confined areas like a concert or sporting event?
A: Your local public health department is giving almost daily advice regarding avoiding crowds, school closures and other social distancing measures. It’s important that if you have flu-like symptoms you should avoid public places to prevent spreading infection.
Q: What should I do in case I or someone in my family develops flu-like symptoms?
A: If you have flu-like symptoms such as cough, sore throat, fever, nasal congestion, muscle aches, vomiting or diarrhea, seek medical attention. Do not go to work, school or public gatherings. If your health care provider is not available, seek care from the emergency department of your local hospital and immediately tell the triage nurse about your symptoms.
Keep in mind, medical professionals continue to see cases of seasonal influenza. If your loved one has flu-like symptoms, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and wash your hands thoroughly. If you have these symptoms and have traveled to an area with known H1N1 flu within the last seven days, or if you have these symptoms and have had contact with someone with known H1N1 flu, let your health care provider know immediately.
Q: Will surgical masks really protect me from H1N1 flu?
A: Surgical masks are not designed to protect you from getting H1N1 flu or any infection. Wearing one will help prevent any potential infection you have from being spread through the air to others.
Q: I had my flu shot already. Will that be enough to protect me?
A: While the vaccination you may have received in October or November of 2008 protects you against more common strains of influenza, it appears that it is not enough to protect you from this strain. Work is underway on a new vaccine for this virus, but it will take some time before that is completed.
Q: I have chronic respiratory/sinus infections and severe allergies. How can I tell the difference between normal infection and swine flu?
A: Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and sometimes breathing difficulties – more severe than a respiratory/sinus infection. With H1N1 flu, symptoms also can include diarrhea and vomiting. Remember, doctors are seeing many people with seasonal flu, which has similar symptoms to swine flu.
Q: Is H1N1 flu worse than regular seasonal flu?
A: Early indication is that the H1N1 virus is about the same as the regular seasonal influenza virus, but it’s still too early to tell if H1N1 will turn out to be worse than regular seasonal flu. It’s best to continue being cautious by washing your hands, covering your mouth with a tissue or your arm when you sneeze or cough, and avoiding public places if you are sick.
Q: How is H1N1 flu spread?
A: H1N1 flu is spread the same way as seasonal flu: from person to person. It’s airborne, which means it is spread by infected persons coughing or sneezing. You cannot get it from eating pork. It is possible to contract H1N1 flu through contact with an infected pig. However, there is no evidence at this time that any pigs infected with the virus are in the United States.
Content source: Lehigh Valley Health Network
