Influenza (Seasonal and H1N1 Flu)
 
Seasonal flu is a common illness that occurs every year, usually in the winter. In April 2009, the world experienced the outbreak of Novel H1N1 influenza virus  (referred to as “swine flu” early on) and it has since spread across the world.  And while this situation is obviously a cause for concern and requires a heightened state of alert, it is not a cause for alarm. One of the best ways to get ready is to become knowledgeable of what risks you and your family may face.

Federal, state and international health agencies are monitoring the disease and taking precautions to ward off a wider spread of the flu. Keep up-to-date:

SEASONAL FLU

Unlike the common cold, Seasonal Influenza (“Flu”) is a serious respiratory illness that can be life-threatening. Symptoms of Seasonal Influenza include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Extreme tiredness
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle aches

Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, can occur, but they are more common in children than in adults. (There is actually no such thing as “stomach flu.” What people refer to as stomach flu is usually viral gastroenteritis.)
Risk Factors

In some people, the flu can cause serious complications, including bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children and adults may develop sinus problems and ear infections.
How Flu Spreads

The Flu usually spreads from person to person in respiratory droplets when people who are infected cough or sneeze. People occasionally may become infected by touching something with Influenza virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.

Healthy adults may be able to infect others 1 day before getting symptoms and up to 5 days after getting sick. Therefore, it is possible to give someone the Flu before you know you are sick as well as while you are sick.
Seasonal Flu and Novel H1N1 2009 Pandemic

Seasonal flu is a common illness that occurs every year, usually in the winter. Healthy people usually aren't at risk from complications of Seasonal Flu but young children, elderly people, and people with weak immune systems may develop complications. About 36,000 people die each year of complications associated with Seasonal Flu . Vaccines to protect people from Seasonal Flu are developed each year, and the illness usually has a manageable impact on society. Health systems, such as doctor's offices, urgent care centers, emergency rooms, and hospitals, can usually meet patients' needs in the case of Seasonal Flu .

NOVEL H1N1 FLU

In April 2009, the world experienced the outbreak of Novel H1N1 and it has since spread across the world.  This phenomenon has created a pandemic; We are currently in the 1st of the 3 waves of the pandemic cycle and thus far have only experienced fairly mild illness.  This may change with the 2nd wave of this pandemic.
 
In the past century, the world has experienced three (3) outbreaks of Pandemic Flu with the last occuring in 1968.  In the case of a Pandemic Flu outbreak, even healthy people are at risk of developing complications. The number of deaths from a pandemic can be very high; in 1918, a pandemic caused 675,000 deaths in the United States.
 
As we have experienced recently with the Novel H1N1 2009, even a mild pandemic can have a major impact on society; travel may be restricted, schools and businesses may close, and large gatherings might be cancelled.   We are anticipating that the 2nd wave, historically the most powerful of the 3 waves of illness, to occur in the Fall.  This is the same time our annual Seasonal Flu season begins and with our children returning to school in late summer, we are preparing to see a rise in Novel H1N1 cases once school resumes.

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. With that in mind, there are everyday actions people can take to prevent transmission and stay healthy:

• Stay active and healthy, get plenty of nourishment, rest, and keep you resistance high.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, Germs spread that way.
• Cover your nose and month with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after your cough or sneeze.
• Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. It is recommended that you see your physician as quickly as possible if symptoms worsen or are severe.  

Here are some of the signs and symptoms of flu:  Fever, disorientation, stiffness of joints, vomiting, loss of consciousness. See your physician as quickly as possible if you experience these symptoms.