H1N1...What You NEED to Know
August 31, 2009
In the local paper last week there was a short note about H1N1. The news was that in South America there were fewer cases of H1N1 as the virus was beginning its northward migration. The first thing was that it looked like the flu impact was no longer a threat. But the real news is that the H1N1 was headed our direction. In Maryland the latest CDC report was that we still had sporadic cases. But in the United States there have been over 9000 hospitalizations and nearly 600 deaths due to H1N1 and the biggest impact is now on its way North. West coast Universities already are speaking of Flu like illnesses and are counting by the thousands. Most cases are reported mild, but there is no way to know or to guarantee a mild infection. All viruses are tiny and can affect all parts of the body, and some effects can be permanent. While panic serves no one. It is not good to strike out looking at a ball that is crossing the plate. There is much we can do to minimize the damage of a viral invasion. The time to go into action is NOW.
The most important job you have right now is to get your flu shots. Notice the pleural “s”. H1N1 is not the only influenza coming our way, seasonal flu causes very real troubles as well. The concern is that we are going to have a very long “Flu season” of one kind or another, for the next 6 months to a year. Season Flu targets those with chronic diseases and of senior age. H1N1 targets the younger crowd, but is not necessarily picky. For those of long experience, we are aware that sometime influenzas have caused nerve and memory damage along with the lung troubles. Also bacterial infections take advantage of the new power to attack while someone is fighting off the Flu virus. If you are are allergic to flu shots or allergic to eggs, you should NOT attempt to get vaccinated, but you could encourage other to get vaccinated to protect you. The rest of us should roll up our sleeves and get the 1) seasonal flu shot now, 2) the first dose of H1N1 as soon as it is in your neighborhood, and if available 3) the second dose of H1N1 and for many in crowded quarters, the 4) 2nd dose of seasonal flu vaccine in January or February.
Another important consideration is remembering an old commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Two implications are here: You are to Love YOU! Take care of yourself. Get your health in order. Are your teeth fixed, do you brush and floss your twice daily, are you up to date on your screening exams, is your blood pressure and blood sugars in control. Do you walk; are you eating healthy food; is your weight where you want it to be. Do you keep your surfaces relatively bacteria-free. Do you find time for fun and let others know you love them. When you have a cold, do you take measures not to contaminate other people. A vigorous cough can travel 8 to twelve feet at 70 miles per hour. Protect others from you cough. Cough into your sleeve at the elbow crook. Wash your hands a lot and especially before and after shaking someone else’s hand. Hand washing is shown to be key in preventing disease. Enthusiastically wash your hands for at least 30 seconds. If using hand sanitizers, remember, alcohol hand sanitizers are better than non alcohol sanitizers.
If we are worried about H1N1, why do we need the other Flu shot is often asked. The answer is that H1N1 is not the only influenza that can make one really sick. Each year in our country 25-50 million people get influenza. Of these 30,000- 40,000 die. It seems more than a little prudent to get the flu shot. Some studies show that protecting yourself from one kind of influenza, might make your immune system better able to fight off other illnesses. If you are already sick with one infection, you are more susceptible to other infections because you are already weak. It is advised that we spread out the shots a bit to minimize side effects from the shots. Don’t get sick! Get your flu shot!
Dr. Bonita Portier, D.O.
