From the library of
Frank Barnhill M.D.
Worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, there are now over 2000 documented cases, but only 44 deaths. These 44 deaths include 2 in the U.S. and 42 in Mexico. It’s very fortunate that most other cases appear to be very mild and those affected usually recover fairly quickly.
The news media has done a good job of covering where it started, how it spread to the U.S. and its spread across the rest of the world. Unfortunately, other than correctly calling it by the medical designation, Human Influenza A, H1N1 Virus, there appear to be gaps in some pretty significant related information.
Let’s take a look at some things you really need to know about H1N1 Virus.
Before prescribing anti-viral medicines for your flu-like symptoms, you doctor will want to know the following:
1. Has a case of H1N1 been diagnosed in your town?
2. Have you travelled in the last ten days to an area where H1N1 has been diagnosed?
3. Have you been exposed to someone who has travelled into such an
area in the last ten days?
If the answers to these three questions is "no", it would be unlikely
that you would be suffering from "Swine flu". The incubation period (the
interval between exposure and onset of symptoms seems to be about seven
days)
4. Have you documented a fever of 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) or more?
5. Do you have a stuffy nose, runny nose, sore throat or cough?
6. Did you get sick literally "overnight" or did your illness "come
on" slowly?
If your answers to these questions is once again "no", it’s unlikely you
have the "swine flu". It is more likely you have a rhinovirus (the
common cold) or a seasonal flu.
About diagnosis…
The rapid flu test used in most doctor’s offices does not differentiate
between Influenza A and Influenza B. There are no rapid tests available
for immediate diagnosis of swine flu. Blood testing would be required.
If your illness is proven to be Influenza B, then you don’t have swine
flu, as it is an "A" type influenza virus.
About prevention…
Of course these best treatment for any contagious disease is prevention.
That means you should avoid anyone suspected of the disease or anyone
who has symptoms that could represent swine flu.
For more information on how to avoid the flu in general, please visit
drhuggiebear.com and read the article:
http://www.drhuggiebear.com/information/howtoavoidtheflu.htm.
I originally published that article to help my patients protect
themselves from "catching the flu" while at work or other public places.
But, I believe the info is just as likely to help you protect yourself
and family from "the swine flu".
Key Point: As usual, if you have any symptoms with which you are
suspicious or uncomfortable, please see your doctor right away!
To your continued good health!
Dr. Frank
Let me know what you think!
drfrank@drhuggiebear.com