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First there was SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome if you don't remember). Then after SARS, there was the H5N1 "bird flu", and now there is the H1N1 "swine flu" virus.
The H1N1 flu strain has infected many people around the world, but it is important to note that there are several simple steps that can be taken to significantly reduce a person's risk of contracting it or any other strain of flu.
Some tips to follow are:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue if you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue away in the trash
Wash your hands frequently
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Avoid contact with sick people
If you are sick, limit contact with other people to prevent spreading infection
Another good defense against flu infection is the flu shot. When the flu vaccines for this season become available, it will be especially important for certain groups of people to receive it.
Those groups are:
Pregnant women
Children from 6 months old up to 19 years old
People greater than or equal to 50 years of age
People with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, asthma, and heart or lung disease
People in nursing homes and long term care facilities
Healthcare workers
People who live with those who are at high risk of complications from the flu
People who live with children less than 6
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months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
The flu vaccine will undoubtedly help in controlling infections and severity of symptoms, but it is not perfect. Those who receive it should still practice good hygiene and recognize that protection from the flu may take up to 2 weeks after the initial injection to develop. Also, due to this year's H1N1 outbreak, there will be 2 different flu vaccines. One will be the seasonal flu vaccine which will protect against 3 different strains of flu viruses, while the other will be a H1N1 specific vaccine. Most people will only need 1 dose of the seasonal vaccine, but depending on the data collected from testing, 2 doses of the H1N1 specific vaccine may be needed.
Remember that there is a lot that a person can do to help keep themselves flu-free this season. Good hygiene will go a long way in terms of prevention. Also, people who have been recommended to get the flu shot should get it as soon as possible, making sure that they follow the correct guidelines in terms of dosing schedule. If prevention techniques fail, do not hesitate in contacting your doctor and make sure to carefully follow their directions if they prescribe anti-viral medicines. More information on the 2009-2010 flu season can be found at www.cdc.gov/flu/.
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