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Carey Coleman, The H1N1 (Swine Flu) and Influenza (Seasonal Flu) and You! From SENIOR Magazine

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The H1N1 (Swine Flu) and Influenza (Seasonal Flu) and You!

Carey Coleman, RN, Professional Geriatric Care Manager – Senior Select Home Health

Whether it is the new H1N1flu, seasonal influenza or just the average cold virus, the United States is bracing itself for an active season. In fact at the time this article was written, the statistics were already impressive. It is predicted that 50 percent of the American population will become infected with the Swine flu and on average 5-20 percent will contract seasonal flu annually.

It is important to note, that although the symptoms of the H1N1 (Swine) flu and seasonal flu are similar; they are in fact two very different viruses. The H1N1 virus was first detected in the US in mid-April of this year (2009) and the CDC quickly determined that it was being spread person to person and activated the Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the public health response. A public health emergency was declared and the state governments are actively implementing the nation’s pandemic response plan.

Although a newly emerged bug, it seemingly is not a particularly severe disease for those who are healthy. Except for certain populations including pregnant women, children with chronic medical conditions and people with respiratory illnesses, the H1N1 flu does not seem to be any worse than the seasonal flu.

The starkest difference in the two flu viruses is the age group that each one targets. Presently, the H1N1 flu tends to be seen in the younger populations and the seasonal flu historically has always targeted the over 65 year olds.

“Yikes! What does that mean?!?!” Well, it means it is time to think about how to protect yourself and your family. Here’s where to start: Get the flu shot (every year) and get the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available (expected in October 2009)

HANDWASHING!!! (20-25 times a day) This is the PRIMARY thing you can do for prevention! But also avoid close contact and stay home when you are sick. Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing (then wash your hands!) Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

“I did all that and I still caught that nasty influenza virus. Now what can I do?”

Symptoms of the flu viruses include: Fever. Headache, Extreme fatigue, tiredness, Dry cough, Runny or stuffy nose, Muscle aches, Sore throat, Vomiting and sometimes diarrhea.

It is critical that if you do get the H1N1 flu virus or the seasonal flu to take care of yourself. These viruses are not to be taken lightly. Thousands of deaths a year and over 200,000plus hospitalizations are associated with these respiratory illnesses.

Treatment for the flu viruses include: Getting plenty of rest (and stay home!) Consider taking anti-viral medications (they have to be started within two days of the onset of symptoms to be effective). But, be cautious with these medications. Several side effects have been reported, especially in the aging population.

Treat the symptoms – fever, cough, congestion, etc. Increase your fluid intake and avoid close contact with other people (this helps decrease the potential of further spreading the virus). If complications develop—SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION!

It is very important that we take all possible precautions to avoid exposure to ourselves and our families. Hopefully, with these few tips, good common sense and healthy habits we can keep the dreaded H1N1flu and seasonal flu viruses away from us!

To find out more about H1N1 flu virus, seasonal flu or home health care contact Carey Coleman, RN, Professional Geriatric Care Manager at Senior Select Home Health at 972-569-8157.