ASK THE EXPERTS: Robert Takla, MD
Q: How can I protect my family from the flu?
A: There are two flu viruses this year, the traditional seasonal flu and novel H1N1 (swine) flu.
Seasonal Flu: Each year, the CDC estimates 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths from the regular flu. Those at greatest risk include young children, or people with serious medical conditions. The deaths from flu are usually in those over 65 with serious medical conditions, or pregnant women.
Novel H1N1 (Swine Flu): It was first believed that this influenza virus was transmitted from pigs to humans, but we know how it contains genetic material from pigs, humans and birds. Properly cooked pork even from an infected animal poses no risk of flu. Those at greatest risk include young children, pregnant women, and those with serious chronic medical conditions. However unlike seasonal flu - young adults are actually more at risk.
Both viruses have similar symptoms: fever, chills, headache, body aches, coughing, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. And both are spread through coughing, sneezing or close contact.
Prevention
- The CDC makes recommendations as to who should get these two separate vaccinations. To learn more, ask your doctor or visit www.cdc.gov.
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water. Alcohol based hand sanitizers are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay away from sick individuals if possible.
- Get rest, drink fluids, and treat symptoms with Tylenol, Motrin, or an over-the-counter flu medication.
- Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.
- If you are relatively healthy and only have mild flu symptoms, please stay home for 24 hours after the fever is gone. Most individuals will not require medical treatment.
- If you are pregnant or have a chronic disease, notify your physician immediately.
- Seek prompt medical attention at an emergency room if have difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain, have persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea and are becoming dehydrated.
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