The H1N1 influenza, also known as the swine flu, has been spreading throughout the world. It began in Mexico earlier this year, and to date has infected hundreds of thousands and killed thousands.
On Oct. 6, Dr. Cindy Norman gave a presentation on the virus at Duncan Regional Hospital. During the presentation, she discussed the different signs and symptoms, treatments and ways to avoid the risks of exposure. There is a general consensus that the signs and symptoms are similar throughout the world. “This is a new virus, which changes from day to day,” Norman said. “I have logged on to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site at least once a week to see the different changes they have for the virus.” Like most other flu viruses, the H1N1 virus spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing and from contact with objects that have the virus on them. However, the H1N1 flu is different from the seasonal flu virus. “Most people have little or no immunity to the H1N1 virus,” Norman said, “so their bodies are not prepared for the virus when it hits.” This is the main fear among scentists. Typical symptoms associated with the H1N1 virus are fatigue, fever, sore throat, and muscle aches, chills, coughing and sneezing. Vomiting and diarrhea have featured in some of the documented cases. The use of common sense should be employed when considering the prevention of this virus. “Cover your mouth when you cough or use a tissue when you sneeze and dispose of it,” Norman said. “Always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer throughout the day.” Worldwide research has shown that most people who have contracted the H1N1 virus start to feel better within a week. However, there are some cases in which the sufferer gets worse by developing pneumonia or other serious illnesses. In some cases, a few thousand so far, the virus has become so severe that the patient has died from it.
In the last couple of months a vaccine has been developed to combat the H1N1 virus. However, this vaccine will not prevent the regular season flu. Norman suggests that people should receive a seasonal flu shot to prevent the seasonal flu. Norman encouraged everyone to go to the doctor as soon as symptoms start to occur. The people who are most recommended for the vaccine are women who are pregnant, people with or who care for infants younger than 6 months old, those who are between the ages of 6 months and 24 years, and anyone from 25 to 64 years old with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems.