LITTLE ROCK — Swine flu, or H1N1, is spreading across the country, primarily affecting children and young adults who cluster together in schools and colleges. This is leading to a heightened fear and paranoia about the virus, fears that may only get worse as the vaccine becomes available and doctors must ration who receives it.
Remember, all the evidence suggests that swine flu is no more aggressive than any other seasonal influenza virus.
Without doubt, the swine flu is a pandemic that public health officials are taking very seriously. The H1N1 virus is a new strain of influenza and no one has the kind of immunity they may have against the seasonal flu. Although the risk of death is very small, ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 percent, the number of fatalities can become overwhelming if millionsof Americans are affected. It's hoped that the H1N1 vaccine, which is due to be released in early October, will prevent the further spread of this challenging illness.
Here are the facts about swine flu: Vulnerable individuals are much more likely to develop a serious illness with often fatal complications. These include young children, pregnant women and adults over the age of 80. I
n addition, anyone with a serious illness that reduces thebody's defense mechanisms will be more vulnerable to the illness, such as patients with rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and patients with lung problems such as asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis. In these individuals, the virus itself does not lead to serious disease. Rather, the illness is complicated by a severe bacterial illness, most commonly pneumonia, which can lead to hospital admission and even death.
Sadly, and for no known reason, in a very small fraction of healthy people, the virus can spread rapidly throughout the body, causing inflammation of the brain, heart and muscles and often leading to death. This was likely the case for the 20-year-old Cornell University student who succumbed to the virus earlier this month.
Swine flu will usually cause a high fever (greater than 101 degrees), headache, sore throat and perhaps gastrointestinal upset. However, several studies suggest that initial symptoms can be much milder. As a result, parents, teachers and caregivers throughout the country are having panic attacks over every cough, sniffle and fever.
If you develop the symptoms of a minor respiratory infection, please do not panic. If the symptoms are significant or if they get worse, it is time to see your doctor. While there is a screening test for swine flu, it is only moderately effective. If there is any doubt about the severity of the diagnosis, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication (Tamiflu or Relenza). However, when symptoms are mild, observation may be adequate because the amount of antiviral available is limited.
We must also do everything we can to help avoid the spread of the virus. Most importantly, if you feel ill for any reason, stay home. If you must go out, wear a mask and avoid touching others. Do not send sick children to school or day care.
The virus is spread rapidly by contact, so the more you wash your hands the better. It is also a good idea to keep a small bottle of an antiseptic solution nearby and wash your hands before or after coming into contact with others. When the vaccine becomes available, stay calm, follow directions and allow the most vulnerable in the population to be treated first. A study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that it will take only one injection rather than two injections to protect against the swine flu. Therefore, the total amount of vaccine available will be greater than expected. Every community needs a well-orchestrated game plan to assure that citizens receive the vaccination quickly and in an orderly fashion.
Sadly, it is impossible to predict which healthy individual will develop a lifethreatening illness. While we would all rather be safe than sorry, it is also important to understand that a very small percentage of people infected with this illness will develop life-threatening complications. Remember, we can all take a few simple steps to protect against the swine flu.
Dr. David Lipschitz is the director of The Longevity Center at St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center. More information is available at:
High Profile, Pages 43 on 09/27/2009