In his monthly column, Dr. Kent Herbert answers your questions related to health care matters. Simply submit your question to stefaniw@newfalconherald.com. It’s your chance to ask the doc.Question: I have heard a lot about the H1N1, or swine flu. Should I be concerned, and what can I do to prepare for it?Answer: H1N1 is a new influenza virus that spreads from person to person and was first detected in the United States in April 2009. It was originally called the swine flu because it is similar to a flu that spreads among pigs. It is very similar to the seasonal, or regular, influenza virus. Typical symptoms of either flu are fever, chills, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose and fatigue. Some people with the H1N1 virus also report diarrhea and nausea. It is spread primarily through contact with people who are infected and are coughing and sneezing; although, it can also be spread by touching contaminated surfaces, like countertops.Infections with the H1N1 virus range from mild to severe, and the vast majority of people recover without needing medical care. Rest, fluids and over-the-counter cold medications are the first step in treatment. Some people, however, may get a more severe case, sometimes requiring hospitalization. As with the seasonal flu, most people who have severe cases or require hospitalization have a medical condition that puts them at high risk, such as pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma or kidney disease. Current information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that only 30 percent of severe cases occur in those without another medical issue. Through Aug. 15, in the United States there have been 7,983 hospitalizations from the H1N1 virus and 522 deaths. While these seem like high numbers, they are far less than the 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths that the seasonal flu causes each year.One unique thing about the H1N1 virus is that complications seem to be less common in older individuals than with the seasonal flu. Typically, those over 65 are at the highest risk of complications. However, with the H1N1 virus, it has been found that one-third of those over 60 years of age have antibodies, or previous protection, against the virus, where as virtually no one under that age does. This is likely because of an outbreak of a similar virus years ago, and while it is unclear how much this will protect a person, it does seem to reduce the risk of complications.As with the seasonal flu, the key to protection from the H1N1 virus is prevention. It is important to wash hands frequently, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and avoid contact with people who are sick. It is also important to avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes when sick and to stay home from work or school until 24 hours after a fever has broken. The virus can be spread from one day before getting sick until five to seven days after. While most care is symptomatic, such as rest and fluids, you should see your doctor if you have shortness of breath, dehydration, dizziness or other concerning symptoms.A vaccine against the H1N1 virus is currently in production, and it is expected sometime this fall. When it is available, the recommendations for its use will be based on how much is made, when it is available and who is at highest risk. In the meantime, it is important to get vaccinated against the seasonal flu. The vaccines against the seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses will not protect against the other, but it is important to prevent any potentially serious illness.As always, talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your individual risk for influenza and ways you can prevent it. While there are some limited treatments available for the flu, prevention is far more effective.Dr. Kent HerbertBoard-Certified Family PhysicianFalcon Family Medicine7641 McLaughlin RoadFalcon, CO 80831(719) 494-2006(719) 494-8448 faxwww.FalconFamilyMedicine.com
