How to Handle the H1N1 Swine Flu Pandemic

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By Laura Lee Bloor
MedicineNet.com

Reviewed by William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

What is a pandemic?

The H1N1 swine flu pandemic is another way of saying the H1N1 virus is a global disease outbreak. Pandemics are difficult to predict because several factors influence how destructive it can be. A flu pandemic's impact depends on

• the number of cases;



• the virulence, or strength, of the virus;



• people's individual immunities;



• the immunity protection people derived from antibodies acquired through seasonal flu infections;



• the effectiveness of preventative measures against the influenza virus.

What preparedness plans have been developed for the H1N1 swine flu pandemic?

Millions of doses of flu vaccines have been developed to combat the spread of the H1N1 swine flu pandemic. Some come in the form of a regular flu shot injected subcutaneously and others are the FluMist nasal spray vaccine. Contact your doctor about getting the H1N1 swine flu vaccine.

For those who still contract H1N1 swine flu, the antiviral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) may be prescribed. These drugs are most effective when taken within 48 hours of the start of H1N1 flu symptoms. Whether these are prescribed for treatment depends on each individual case; not everyone needs antiviral drugs. People can recover from swine flu without Tamiflu or Relenza.

Who gets the H1N1 swine flu vaccine first?

Everyone should get vaccinated, but a few groups have priority:

• Pregnant women



• Day-care providers and other caregivers of children



• Health-care workers and emergency medical personnel



• Kids and young adults 6 months to 24 years of age



• People 25-64 years of age who have medical conditions that increase the risk of flu complications, such as asthma

A few regulations apply to the H1N1 vaccines: The H1N1 nasal spray vaccine is only approved for healthy people 2-49 years of age. Also, the nasal spray is not approved for pregnant women, so they should get the flu shot. The H1N1 nasal spray vaccine is a live vaccine and should not be given to people taking certain medications that suppress the immune response.

How can I help prevent an H1N1 swine flu infection?

To protect yourself from swine flu and other flu viruses, you should

• avoid close contact with people who are sick with a fever and/or cough;



• try to confine an individual infected with swine flu to a spare bedroom and consider wearing a face mask when you interact with them;



• wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water;



• use hand sanitizer gels if you can't wash your hands;



• avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you've just washed your hands;



• cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands as soon as possible;



• engage in healthy habits;



• Get enough sleep (seven to eight hours a night).



• Eat healthy, nutritious meals with lots of fruits and vegetables.



• Exercise most days of the week.



• if you start to feel sick, go home and stay home until you can get in to see your doctor.

How can I prepare for the H1N1 swine flu pandemic?