H1N1 (Swine Flu)

Every year different types or strains of the flu develop and are passed around. This year, H1N1 (also known as Swine Flu), is the strain that makes everyone so nervous. But the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is saying that the group at greatest risk of getting H1N1 are people under 25 years of age. So far, very few cases and deaths have been reported in people over 65, which is odd compared to the traditional seasonal flu.

However, those at risk for complications from the seasonal flu are at an even greater risk of complications from H1N1. Examples of high-risk medical conditions that increase the chances of H1N1 complications are:

• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Suppressed immune systems
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders
• Pregnancy

The CDC has recommended the 2009 H1N1 vaccine for the following groups:

• Pregnant women
• Household and caregiver contacts of children younger than six months of age (such as parents, siblings, and daycare providers)
• Health care and emergency medical personnel
• Persons from six months through 24 years of age
• Persons ages 25 through 64 with medical conditions that put them at risk for flu complications

Once healthcare providers meet the demand for the H1N1 vaccine among the groups listed above, it is recommended that everyone between the ages of 25 and 64 be vaccinated. Studies show that risk of flu infection is less for persons over 65 than the younger groups. However, once the demand is also met for the younger groups, the CDC recommends that providers offer the vaccine to people ages 65 and up.

Ways to Protect Against Spreading the Flu

The first and most important step in protecting against flu infection is getting the vaccine. Washing your hands often will protect you from spreading germs. The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use anti-bacterial wipes or hand sanitizers, such as Germ-X.

Symptoms

You may have the flu if you have some or all of the following symptoms:

• Fever *
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

*It is important to note that not everyone with the flu has a fever.

For more information about H1N1, visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm

Is it a cold or the flu? While the common cold can be caused by over 200 different viruses, seasonal flu is caused by either influenza A or B. Cold symptoms usually begin with a sore throat, followed by nasal congestion and runny nose. A cough may follow on the fourth or fifth day. Fever is uncommon in adults, but a slight fever is possible. Flu symptoms include sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches and soreness, congestion, and cough. Symptoms are similar to the common cold except more severe. A common complication of the flu is pneumonia and it is not uncommon to feel run down for over a week when you have the flu.