Swine Flu, Prepare Rather Than Panic
http://hebronics.org/index.html
So much has been said and written about the Swine Flu and a possible pandemic, that the stuff is frightening to read. But keep in mind that it is actually just another strain of influenza, although different and with a number of different aspects and traits. We also need to keep in mind that we have had some pretty horrific sieges of the flu in the past. Let's look at what has transpired since it began.
The U.S. has been fortunate, so far, since this mess began during our Spring and Summer months, but understand, those nations south of the equator have been going through their winters. Argentina and some other South American countries, plus southern portions of Africa and India have been hit pretty hard.
But let's look at the worldwide statistics so far:
Since emerging last spring in Mexico, the virus, known as H1N1, has spread to at least 168 countries, causing more than 162,000 confirmed cases and playing a role in at least 1,154 deaths, including 436 in the United States. (Preparing For
Swine Flu's Return: Washington Post, Rob Stein, August 10, 2009)
Admittedly, that covers the period of it's spreading (rather slowly) and is expected to return as the winter months arrive in the Northern Hemisphere with a much stronger vengeance than this first round. But when you consider a normal flu season for the U.S. alone, hospitalizes an estimated 200,000 and is involved in some 36,000 deaths, the statistics so for of the H1N1 virus doesn't appear so bad.
On the other hand, don't become complacent over these statistics, remember that in the winter of 1968-69, the Hong-Kong flu was considered the mildest pandemic of the 20th century and yet it contributed to an estimated 1 million deaths world wide including some 34,000 here in the U.S. I don't have the statistics on it, but in the winter of 1990-91, we had a bad year, at least as far as the severity of the illness. This was the only year that I can be sure that I had the flu. I don't know if I have ever been sicker. I had high fever and chills, in bed for five days and as I recovered somewhat, I took pneumonia and was hospitalized for five more days. Needless to say, I have not missed a flu shot since that time.
"This epidemic will transmit faster than usual, because the population is more susceptible," said Marc Lipsitch, a professor of epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health who has been helping the CDC project the severity of the upcoming wave. "It's fair to say there will be tens of millions of illnesses and hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and tens of thousands of deaths. That's not atypical. It just depends on how many tens of thousands." (Ibid)
This particular virus, H1N1, has one peculiarity in that it strikes children and young adults more often than older people. That said, there is little comfort for the older ones since any age is susceptible. But the fact that the younger have been showing higher numbers, causes authorities to fear many problems for schools and also businesses who employ young adults.
It seems that every article has it's own suggestions to help avoid contracting this flu, I've tried to figure out those who make the most sense. Here are a few, including one or two of my own.
(1) Get your influenza shots as quickly as they become available. They say that we may need to take three! One for the regular flu which is anticipated also. The vaccine for it should be available sometime late this month or early in September. It has not been settled yet, but some of the scientists who are developing the Swine Flu vaccine, believe it will be most effective if taken in two shots, about 3 weeks apart. That has not been completely resolved, however and may not be necessary. The regular flu vaccine is far ahead of normal schedule since the same companies are formulating the H1N1 and want to get the first one over and done with.
(2) If you develop a fever and flu-like symptoms, do not rush to the hospital emergency room. If you should have the virus, it will only spread it to others in the emergency room who may be there for other severe illnesses. But rather, call your family doctor and explain your symptoms. If he prescribes medication, let him call it into your pharmacist, or let some family member or friend pick it up for you. Place yourself under self-quarantine as much as possible and when another family member is near you, place a mask over your nose and mouth while they are near.
(3) It is not recommended that one wear a mask to keep from taking the flu. Masks become moist from one's breath after being worn only a few minutes and actually may "capture" airborne virus. Rather, it is suggested that those who already have the virus, wear a mask while others are in the room or near them.
It is imperative that those with the virus sneeze and or cough into a handkerchief or strong tissues. If there are none immediately within reach, cough or sneeze up your sleeve, or into some other part of clothing or bedcovering. Airborne virus is the primary means of spreading the virus.
(4) If you don't take vitamin C supplements, it is a good precaution to do so to help improve your immune system. I regularly take 500 mg twice daily. That is probably more than is necessary, but it doesn't harm you as some vitamins may.
(5) Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your pocket or purse. Use it often if you shake hands with others, handle things which may have been handled by others, i.e., shopping or other places where many may handle the same things.
Money, door knobs or handles, shopping cart handles, etc., are a few such items.
(6) When in places requiring you to be in close proximity to others, be extra careful to try and avoid being next to anyone who appears to be feeling bad or who is coughing and/or sneezing.
(7) Keep a good saline nasal spray on hand and flush out your nostrils after returning from shopping, church services or where you have been in a crowded area. Also gargle with a good germ killing, antiseptic mouth wash at these times.
Those who have some chronic health problem, asthma, diabetes, heart problems, etc., or if you have recently had major surgery or some illness which may have lowered your resistance and/or strength, you should be extremely careful and try to avoid catching this virus. It is people in these categories or conditions who most often are unable to survive a bout with this illness.
Start now, to plan your means of trying to avoid catching this dangerous virus and also how to avoid passing it to others if you should get it.
Webgazine Columnist.
Article submitted Monday, August 10, 2009 & read 388 times.
Please log in to leave your comments.
» left by Anonymous (2 years 269 days ago.)
Joel, correct again. A close family relative suspected of H1A1 Swine flu. They took tests and strated her on medication. They said she would get a call in day. A week later and no call. Finally oh yes you had it but donpt worry you werfe treated. Really, what about all those I came into contact with. Oh if they ghet sick tell them to go see their doctor asap, really! Now the good part is she seems fine today. Yet did she infect anyone else? The nurse couldn't even give streight answer. Yes and her employer, come to work or goodbye. Now how samrt was that? Oh well what can one say?
» left by Joel Hendon (2 years 269 days ago.)
Thanks for commenting, but I think all who even suspect they might have the flu ought to do everything possible not to infect others. They say there is only 2 medicines available which will help the stuff, and a doctor can prescribe that over the phone. If a p[erson gets really bad with it, they need hospitalization, but most don't get that bad.
