H1N1 Treatment

The last time we heard of the H3N2 strain of the flu virus ( a mutated cousin of the H1N1), was in the 1968 global pandemic. Since then, it has entered the regular seasonal flu rotation, showing up in a slightly mutated, albeit dangerous form every 2-3 years.

The H3N2 virus is more harmful to people whose ages are 65 and older. The same group of people were not spared when the H1N1 virus appeared with a vengeance last flu season. The H3N2 does not affect younger children as much, but this is not ruled out in the future as the virus continues its evolution of mutation in the forthcoming years.

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Exactly what is Thimerosal?

Thimerosal is a mercury based preservative that has been used in the US for over 20 years in vaccines to prevent the growth of certain germs, bacteria and fungi that can contaminate them.

Why are preservatives used in vaccines?

For over 70 years we have had preservatives included in most of our vaccines to prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria that could make the vaccines in multi-dose vials (vials containing more than 1 dose) unsafe. Germs in any vaccine can cause serious infections, and in some cases even death.

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Exactly one year ago, families were rushing in to get their flu shots after the H1N1 scare. Makeshift clinics were being set up and there were huge lines at doctors' offices, as the demand for the H1N1 vaccine was outstripping supply.

This year the demand is very much lower, but the flu is still a very real danger. One third of the influenza cases in the US this flu season is attributable to the H1N1 strain, one third is another influenza A called H3N2 and one third is TYpe B.

Because fewer people are getting their shots, there is a distinct possibility that there could be an increase in infection later in the flu season. …

So far there is no flu pandemic as compared to this time last year. The flu shots are ready, however there are less takers. So far it's "our usual start",  with only a few isolated cases, said Dr. David Williams, associate chief medical officer of health for Ontario. That doesn't mean it's safe to let down your guard, though.

The numbers are down year to date compared to last year, when the H1N1 virus prompted one of the largest immunization campaigns in history. Even though the WHO has declared the H1N1 pandemic over in August, it does not mean it is over. …

The August 2010 issue of the American Journal of Infection published a study that showed that individuals with mild H1N1 infection may go undetected using standard diagnostic criteria. The study concluded that coughing or other respiratory symptoms are more accurate in determining influenza infection than a fever.

At present, the only way the H1N1 infection is determined is by relying on body temperature - the higher the temperature, the higher the chance of H1N1 detection. In this case, the study found that coughing and not fever, is a more reliable indicator of infection and not fever, because nearly half of the individuals with a mild infection may not have a fever.

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In June 2009, the World Health Organization moved the H1N1 virus outbreak to a Level 6 Pandemic Alert, the highest level on its scale. The virus which had originated in April in Mexico had spread to over 208 countries within months. This caused world governments to panic and the media had a field day.

The H1N1 virus or "swine flu" as it had popularly become known as, targeted younger children and pregnant women. There was a huge demand for the vaccine which had been researched, developed and tested in record time.

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A recent Canadian study has shown that parents with children with asthma should be very alert about the H1N1 virus. The H1N1 virus is more dangerous to children with asthma than the seasonal flu.

Parents of children with asthma should have an "increased state of alertness" about the pandemic flu virus, suggests the co-author of a new Canadian study comparing it to seasonal flu. Asthma is a significant risk factor for kids who get the new H1N1 virus, compared to seasonal flu, the study indicates.

The H1N1 Virus was initially known (and in some cases is still known) as the “Swine Flu”. The current wave is purported to have originated from the pig farms in Mexico, hence the name “Swine” flu.

For this reason the consumption of pork world-wide has declined, as people associate getting the infection with eating pork. The truth cannot be further. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says humans cannot catch the virus by eating pork. 

The H1N1 virus is not a food-borne virus, it is a respiratory virus. …

There are some people who are lining up to get the H1N1 vaccine; and there are others are looking for a more natural way to battle the virus. 

One of these possibilities is using naturopathic drugs, which is reliant on the assumption that the body can heal itself through diet, exercise and life changes. "I don't recommend vaccination shots for H1N1," expounded Beatrice Levinson, owner of Monterey Bay's Naturopathy. 

"My recommendation: the basics are exercise, diet, water and sleep. Besides a diet full of natural health foods and getting masses of exercise, naturopaths also endorse certain natural products and additions to lift the body's immune response.”

The H1N1 virus is wreaking havoc on good manners. In these heady days of H1N1 hysteria, people are refraining from shaking hands, to prevent the spread of the flu. 

People who are sick are beginning to feel nervous about handling and handshaking everyone they meet. On the other hand those who are healthy feel uncomfortable shaking hands or having contact with anyone who may have the signs of being sick. Unfortunately those with just the common cold are now being victimized by their healthier peers.

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The Swine Flu or H1N1 virus is sweeping throughout the world.  It has to be treated in time otherwise it can become fatal and life threatening. Children are at one of the highest risks of being infected due to their weak immune system, and they have the greatest chance of contracting the H1N1 virus.

There are a number of things that you as a parent can do to prevent your children from contracting this virus. The key for protecting is preventing and below is a list of actions you must take to ensure that your children are well protected:

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According to the CDC, flu activity is increasing in the US, and "So far, most flu is 2009 H1N1 flu (sometimes called "swine flu")." Earlier this week, CBS News released the results from a 3-month-old study that included state-by-state test results, stating that the H1N1 flu cases are not as prevalent as feared. 

So here is a conflicting view between the CDC and CBS News. Who is correct?

In July, the CDC advised states to stop testing for H1N1 as it had already been declared as a pandemic, and there was no need to waste money on further testing. …

Many parents are concerned about the H1N1, so much so that many are thinking of calling off trick-or-treating altogether.

Before you plan to quit, there are a few things you can do to ensure your child’s and others’ safety:

• Don’t let the kids dip their hands into the candy bowl-pass out the candy individually.
• When kids come to your door, make sure you pass out wrapped candy.
• Leaving out candy bowls for the lids to serve themselves is also not a good idea as the virus can live on the surface for 2-8 hours.
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The flu season is upon us and most people who get the seasonal flu or H1N1 virus will have a mild illness and will not necessarily need medical care or antiviral drugs, and will typically recover in less than two weeks.

However, this is not applicable to those people with cancer or those who are undergoing cancer treatment. For them, any flu virus is dangerous as their immune system is weak, and will be less able to fight any germs.

The CDC and Cancer Society have categorized all cancer patients as high risk. …