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Since April 2009 we have heard much about the H1N1 Virus (AKA Swine Flu) pandemic that has swept the United States. As of August 14th, there have been 7,511 cases of individuals hospitalized with this diagnosis. Despite these daunting numbers, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Of the total number of cases reported in the world, only 0.8% of those people have died. Both Kansas and Missouri remain a "sporadic" state of influenza virus activity level, which is the lowest activity level listed on the CDC website. Treatment exists for the virus and has shown to be effective, even though the CDC contends that most people will recover without medicine. Finally, a vaccine should be manufactured and brought to the market by fall of this year, just in time for flu season (www.CDC.gov).
What are the signs and symptoms of the H1N1 virus? There is little difference between what we call "influenza-like-illness" symptoms and H1N1 virus symptoms, so it is difficult to determine if your flu is the H1N1 virus. What matters is the next step you take when you suspect you may have it.
If you experience any of the following symptoms and you feel it is necessary, you should contact your health care provider to determine if you need to get tested for the H1N1 virus. It is also recommended that you stay at home until 24 hours after your fever has
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subsided (not from fever-reducing medications). This can help avoid spreading the virus.
Fever
Cough/Sore Throat
Runny Nose
Muscle/Body Aches
Headache
Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea
If you experience any of the following emergency symptoms, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. It doesn't necessarily mean you have swine flu; it just means that you have an illness that needs to be addressed by a health care professional.
Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath
Pain/pressure in the chest or stomach
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe/persistent vomiting
Flu comes back with a fever and worse cough
There is a different list of emergency symptoms in children; they are similar to the warning signs of adults:
Fast breathing/trouble breathing
Bluish/gray skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Severe/persistent vomiting
Not waking up/not interacting
Child doesn't want to be held .because of irritability
Flu comes back with a fever and worse cough
H1N1 virus is confirmed by tests run by health care professionals, usually a nose or mouth swab.
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There are certain groups of people that are recommended to receive this vaccine:
All people aged 6 months to 24 years old
People aged 25 to 64 that have a risk of complications due to influenza (as determined by your primary care physician)
Pregnant Women
Household contacts/caregivers for children under 6 months old
Healthcare/Emergency medical services personnel
Remember:
If you experience influenza-like symptoms and fall into the above vaccine categories, you should be tested for the H1N1 virus.
If you or your children experience any emergency symptoms you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If you fall into the above vaccine categories, get vaccinated as soon as it is available in your area.
For additional information talk with your physician or pharmacist or visit www.CDC.gov.
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