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Influenza and Swine Flu Facts |
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Influenza and >Swine Flu
Just the Facts About InfluenzaWith all the discussion about the flu and related illnesses, there are many questions people have about the disease and what it may mean in terms of your own personal health and care.
What is Influenza?Influenza is an illness causes by a particular strain of virus. Many times people who have a stomach ailment causing nausea or a cold with a high fever refer to the illness as “the flu,” but the actual influenza infection is a different kind of illness.The “true flu” is caused by a strain of the influenza virus. The flu is a respiratory illness that affects the nose, the lungs and the throat, not a stomach illness. There are many different viral infections that affect the respiratory system, including the common cold, but unlike these illnesses that fade quickly, the flu generally has symptoms that are severe. On occasion, the flu can be life-threatening.
What is Swine Flu?There are different mutations of the flu virus, including some that affect animals. These strains of the flu do not usually spread to humans. The swine flu is a common respiratory illness for pigs, but it most commonly stays contained in the pig population.While 1 to 4 percent of pigs infected with the swine flu do die, it is rare that the virus affects humans. However, certain versions or mutations of the virus do sometimes spread from the pigs to those who care for them. In some cases, as in 2009 at this time, humans who catch the virus from pigs find that it spreads quickly between humans as well.
Flu SymptomsThose who are infected with the flu virus will suffer from varying degrees of respiratory complaints. They may complain of headache and fever, extreme fatigue, and muscle aches.They will often have a dry cough that is difficult to control, a sore throat, and a runny or stuffed up nose. The symptoms of the flu are more severe overall than a general cold. Children may have additional symptoms that do affect the gastrointestinal system, such as nausea and vomiting or diarrhea. These are in addition to respiratory symptoms, and they rarely affect adults.
Know the Risk from the FluMost people who catch the flu in whatever strain recover with no additional medication or complication that is normally used for a repiratory illness. However, there are complications that can arise from the flu in some cases.There are patients who develop pneumonia, or inflammation in the lungs, after contracting influenza. Primary pneumonia usually develops after the major flu symptoms begin. Symptoms of pneumonia in these cases commonly develop about 24 to 36 hours after the initial onset of the flu. Antibiotics are ineffective against this type of pneumonia, and it can be a life-threatening condition for those who have other complications making it a more severe problem, such as age or additional illnesses. Pregnant women are also at higher risk of death from the pneumonia complication. Secondary pneumonia is another common risk that can develop from the flu virus. This illness usually makes itself evident after the flu symptoms have dissipated and the patient is beginning to feel better. If a patient has had a respiratory illness that has run its course and they think they are better, but then begin to feel ill again, it’s advisable to check with a doctor and be tested for pneumonia. Another risk from the flu is bronchiolitis. This is an inflammation that generally affects children under the age of two. This illness causes raspy and labored breathing along with typical respiratory symptoms. It is the primary culprit when there is serious lower respiratory illness in an infant. Sinusitis is another risk associated with the flu virus. This illness affects the tissues and mucus membranes that are found in the inside of the facial and nasal sinuses – hollows in the face, eyes and cheeks that assist in sensory functions. It causes swelling and tenderness in these tissues, and can build pressure in the face and throat. It can turn into a sinus infection in some cases, which is a bacterial infection that often responds to antibiotics. In children, there are two other common risks. These include croup and Reye syndrome. Croup is a swelling and obstructing of the windpipe in young children, and produces a bark-like cough that reminds many people of a seal. It also causes raspy, wheezing or rattling breathing, and the victim has difficulty breathing in an adequate amount of air. Children most often suffer this complication. The same is true of Reye syndrome, which is actually not necessarily flu related, although it is most common in children who have had the flu. It is associated with the use of aspirin during an illness such as flu or chicken pox. While this complication is rare, it is severe and can cause a range of symptoms such as confusion, seizures and occasionally death. Children also show an increase in ear infections when they have the flu. A further risk from the flu is an inflammation of muscles in the body (myositis), inflammation of the heart in particular (myocarditis), or inflammation of the lining or sac around the heart (pericarditis). Inflammation of the heart or heart muscle lining can cause chest pain and breathing difficulty that may be mistaken for heart failure or a heart attack. Another common complication from the flu is a general malaise, fatigue and lack of energy that lingers on even after the flu symptoms are gone. No cause for this complication is known. The flu commonly causes any underlying, preexisting medical condition to worsen, which can lead to severe illness and death. The flu virus itself and the associated illnesses can cause death in some cases, but most strains of the flu become deadly because they complicate preexisting illnesses. Illnesses that are commonly complicated by the flu include congestive heart failure, asthma and diabetes. People over the age of 65 at the greatest risk for flu complications, and people of any age that have chronic illnesses such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes are always at a higher risk for complications. Over 36,000 people die each year (in a normal, not a pandemic or epidemic year) from the flu and flu related complications, and 200,000 are hospitalized.
Know How the Flu SpreadsThe flu spreads largely through a means called “droplet spread” by doctors. This simply means that small droplets of mucus or saliva are expelled from a person carrying the disease to another, who is then infected with the virus.This typically happens when an infected person sneezes or coughs, expelling respiratory droplets and propelling them up to three feet through the air. These droplets then land on the mouth or nose of nearby people. Less commonly, the virus can be spread from hand or object to mouth contact with an infected person’s respiratory droplets. The disease is spread this way when a healthy person touches droplets on someone’s hand (such as when they shake hands) or an object (such as a pen, table, computer keyboard, etc.) that has respiratory droplets on it. The healthy person then transfers this hand to his or her own mouth or nose when the droplets and virus are still on it, thereby infecting him or herself with the illness.
Preventing the FluThe very best way to prevent the flu is to wash your hands frequently, both those who are ill and those who are healthy.Proper hand washing involves warm water, soap, and lather for a period of about 30 seconds. Health care professionals recommend that you either count to 30 or sing a brief song such as “Mary Had a Little Lamb” or “The Alphabet Song” to be sure you are lathering long enough. This hand washing method removes nearly all germs. The next best thing you can do to prevent the flu is to avoid contact with those who are infected. Steps to accomplish this need to come from both those who are infected and those who are not infected. Those who are infected with the flu virus should stay home whenever possible. Avoid running errands, going to work or attending school. If your children are sick, keep them away from daycare, school or public gatherings to avoid spreading the disease. Particularly if you are ill, but even for those who are healthy, cover your mouth and your nose whenever you cough or sneeze. This will eliminate a great deal of the most common spread of the disease, since droplets of respiratory matter can fly up to six feet away with a powerful sneeze. Sneeze or cough into a tissue, if one is available, and immediately discard it after use. If no tissue is available, sneeze into your upper shoulder, not your hand. Experiments have shown that the upper shoulder is the least likely place for contact to occur with an uninfected person. Covering your mouth and nose with your hand often transfers the virus to other items you touch or other people you touch, such as when you shake hands with an acquaintance or pick up a child. Again, frequent hand washing is the best prevention. For those who are not infected, avoid close contact with those who are ill. Give them a little extra personal space. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose with your hands. This is something most people do daily without thinking, so it takes a conscious effort to stop yourself from doing it. However, it is the second most common way for the flu to spread, so it’s worth the effort. Frequent hand washing is equally important for those who are healthy. A flu shot or flu vaccine can prevent some strains of the flu. However, the vaccine is reconfigured each year, and does not prevent all strains of the flu. Swine flu is not prevented by the 2009 vaccine, although that strain may be added to upcoming vaccines.
Diagnosing the FluIt is difficult for anyone, layperson or doctor, to differentiate a flu from other respiratory viral illnesses simply by examining symptoms.In order to determine definitively if a person has the flu, the doctor must perform a flu test within the first two or three days of symptoms. It’s important to see a doctor to see if there are other complications from the flu virus as well. Call ahead and let a doctor know if you are coming in to be tested for the flu so that he or she can make arrangements to prevent infecting other patients.
What to Do if You Get SickIf you do become ill, particularly with an epidemic or pandemic flu, you should stay home for 7 days after symptoms begin – or for 24 hours after symptoms end, if that’s longer. This will help contain the virus and be sure it doesn’t spread further.Keep a supply of flu/respiratory over the counter medications on hand during the flu season to prevent the need for going to the store when you are ill. Contact your doctor and see if you should come in for testing or if they recommend staying home. Contact them quickly if you detect any secondary symptoms.
Anti Viral DrugsThe flu does respond to antiviral drugs on some occasions. Different flu strains respond to different medications. When you call your doctor, inquire about any anti-viral drugs that he or she might prescribe. These drugs can help symptoms dissipate more quickly and can prevent complications.There are four antiviral drugs approved for use in the U.S.: oseltamivir, zanamivir, amantadine, and rimantadine. UK antiviral drugs include Tamiflu. They are most effective when administered soon after infection, but can still help within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. They are particularly recommended for patients who are at risk for complications from the flu. These anti-viral drugs are also effective in preventing the flu in those who may have been exposed to the virus.
Emergency Warning SignsGet immediate medical help for children if they develop the following signs:
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