|
EOMC provides FAQs on H1N1 virus |
|
Thursday, 17 September 2009 |
The Typical Flu season usually peaks in late winter (January through March).
This year the H1N1 virus (previously described as Swine Flu) has complicated the flu season.
The state of Oklahoma is currently reporting "widespread activity" with rising patient visits to physicians offices for flu-like illnesses.
Currently the majority of Influenza A positive tests are the result of the H1N1 virus.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions:
Why is the H1N1 virus so different?
This is a unique virus in that it is a new virus strain that has not been previously identified. The last time a similar virus was identified and was prevalent in the US was in the late 1950's. Most persons younger than 55 years have not been exposed to a similar virus and are more susceptible to the current H1N1 virus. Clearly children under the age of 25 are most susceptible to the infection.
How does the H1N1 infection compare to the annual seasonal flu?
Other than affecting younger patients more commonly, the H1N1 virus appears to cause symptoms very similar to those of the seasonal flu. The duration of illness may actually be shorter for the H1N1 virus.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms include:
• Fever (up to 103 degrees)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches (usually severe)
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• And some have reported diarrhea and vomiting
How long am I contagious once I am infected?
Patients are contagious for about three days before symptoms begin and for about seven days after the symptoms first occur. If you think you have the flu, contact your physician for instructions. Based on your medical history and symptoms, you may be instructed to come to their office for an appointment or to stay at home.
If you or a family member has flu-like symptoms it is best to stay home from work or school until your symptoms have resolved.
What can I do to prevent the spread of the flu or other viral infections (i.e. cold, bronchitis)?
• 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, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Keep hand sanitizers (like Purell) with you and wipe your hands after being out in public spaces like the grocery store.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Stay at least 6 feet away when possible.
• If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer.
What about the H1N1 vaccine? Will it be safe?
The H1N1 vaccine will be distributed through the Oklahoma State Department of Health in the late fall of 2009. It will be distributed to physicians offices and health clinics across the state. The vaccine is produced in a manner similar to that of the annual flu vaccine and thus any safety concerns would be similar to those associated with the seasonal flu vaccine (i.e. egg allergy, previous allergic reactions to the flu vaccine etc.)
The H1N1 vaccine may be two shots separated by three weeks. More details to come.
The H1N1 vaccine will initially be distributed to "high risk" persons. These include: pregnant women, caregivers and family members of children under 6 months, healthcare workers involved in direct patient care, followed by all persons age six months to 24 years of age and finally persons age 25 years to 65 with underlying health problems.
The rest of the population (including persons over the age of 65) will be offered the vaccine based on availability.
When should I get the annual seasonal flu shot?
It is best to contact your physician now to obtain the seasonal flu shot and then ask if you need the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available later this fall. If needed, the H1N1 vaccine can be given with the seasonal flu shot.
What treatments are available if I do get the flu?
• Antiviral drugs can be given to treat those who become severely ill with influenza. These antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) with activity against influenza viruses, including H1N1 flu virus. These medications must be prescribed by a health care professional.
• There are two influenza antiviral medications that are recommended for use against H1N1 flu. The drugs that are used for treating H1N1 flu are called oseltamivir (trade name Tamiflu ®) and zanamivir (Relenza ®). The drugs work best if given within 2 days of becoming ill, but may be given later if illness is severe or for those at a high risk for complications.
• Aspirin or aspirin-containing products (e.g. bismuth subsalicylate – Pepto Bismol) should not be administered to any confirmed or suspected ill case of the influenza infection ages 18 years old and younger due to the risk of Reye syndrome. For relief of fever, other anti-pyretic medications are recommended such as acetaminophen or non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil or Aleve).
• Much of the treatment is directed at controlling the symptoms of the flu: Rest, lots of oral liquids (water and juices), Tylenol (acetominophen) for fever and body aches, and cough supressants when indicated.
• Additional information can be found by contacting your local physician or at: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ http://www.cdc.gov/FLU/protect/keyfacts.htm.
|
|
Last Updated ( Friday, 18 September 2009 )
|
