About the Swine Flu

About the "Swine Flu" or Human Influenza A, H1N1 Frank Barnhill M.D.

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Literally everyone in the U.S. has heard of the Swine flu and the impending pan-epidemic.

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

These health tips are offered for your common sense use and are not intended to take the place of a visit to your doctor. Your use of the materials implies your understanding that nothing herein contained represents individual medical advice.

drhuggiebear, drhuggiebear.com and contained materials are the copyrighted and/or registered properties of Frank Barnhill, M.D. and may not be reproduced for profit without the express written permission of the author. All materials may be photocopied in whole for educational use. For information please contact us at drfrank@drhuggiebear.com.

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