Could happen to anyone, anytime! H1N1 is in the air.

Emerged in Mexico, traveled halfway around the globe, catapulted governments and health care organizations in a wild frenzy, beset with controversy in the media, the infamous H1NI virus has already inflicted enough damage. Hype aside, let’s try to figure out exactly how this dreaded virus can affect your life, your family, your place of work. What can we glean from all the information and controversy that’s out there? What exactly do you need to know?

First and foremost, we are all still learning about this new influenza virus. It is a novel strain of the swine flu, which means that although the swine flu has been around before, this particular type of virus has not. Why do we call it the “swine flu”? Because the virus is similar to the influenza virus that caused the flu in pigs in the US. The H1N1 virus can spread from person to person the same old way that seasonal flu spreads: coughing, sneezing, touching objects that contain the virus. What is the most effective prevention strategy available to all humans everywhere: Hand Washing!! Drinking water and eating cooked pork are not known to transmit the virus. (so much for the poor pigs who were martyred to save humanity)

Infected people may manifest with the usual fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough, headache, body aches, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Most people have recovered without hospitalization, some have become severely ill and unfortunately, there have been fatalities. Older adults (above 65 years), children below 5 years of age, pregnant women and those with chronic diseases such as asthma are most vulnerable. An infected person can infect others from day 1 of contracting the virus, and may actually become sick only about a week later. This is why prevention is a huge deal! You do not have to actually be physically sick to be transmitting the virus to others.

Just to put this in perspective, did you know that each year, in the US, an average of 36,000 people die from seasonal flu-related complications and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related causes. We are talking about the ordinary flu, not the H1N1 virus. Of those hospitalized, 20,000 are children younger than 5 years old. Over 90% of deaths and about 60 percent of hospitalization occur in people older than 65 (www.cdc.gov)

Here’s the Big Question: How do we protect ourselves and others?

Cover your cough, Shield your sneeze, Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth- your hands can spread germs into these areas. Wash hands with soap and water. Get a hand sanitizer gel like Purell. I have one in my bag, the kids bags, the car, at work, everywhere! And they come in handy tubes and mini-bottles. Stay home if you are sick. Teach your children to wash their hands.

If someone just sneezed or coughed into their hands and touched a doorknob or elevator button, the virus can stay there and infect a new person anywhere from 2-8 hours after it is deposited on the object. Always sneeze/cough into a tissue, not into your hands.

Now for the controversial vaccine: The US Dept. of Health and Human Services has awarded multi million dollar contracts to pharmaceutical and biotech firms to manufacture a vaccine that could offer protection. A Connecticut based company has produced a first batch of about 100,000 vaccines. Other firms are in the process of manufacturing vaccines. Educate yourself on the pros and cons of any new, or for that matter already-existing vaccine. My job requires me to obtain a mandatory flu vaccine this year. There are media reports and sobering predictions of potential deaths this virus can cause this fall.

As we all prepare to wind up a lovely summer and head into the cooler months, let’s remember to take prevention seriously. Make hand washing fun for yourself and for your kids. Let it be a part of your daily routine, something that you automatically train yourself to do right now, so that it becomes habit no matter where you go. Always remember, knowledge is power! Prevention is your responsibility! To vaccinate is recommended but eventually, it is your informed choice. And a little prayer goes a long way!

For more information and updates on the H1N1 virus, check out: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/

Be well!
Anita