SOUTHEASTERN NEWS

The 2009 H1N1 flu: What you need to know

9/23/2009

People around the world have recently gotten a new type of flu called the 2009 H1N1 flu. (It used to be called swine flu.) You might wonder if you are at risk and how you can protect your health.

Here are answers from health officials to some of the most common questions about the disease:

Q: What is the 2009 H1N1 flu?
A: This is a new type of flu that affects the lungs of people. It was once known as swine flu because scientists thought it was the same type of flu that can affect pigs in North America. But now they know it's not.

Q: How does it spread?
A: Right now the 2009 H1N1 flu seems to spread like regular flu: through the coughs and sneezes of people who have it.  “As with any type of influenza, it can be spread through contact to contact, coughing and sneezing,” said Dr. Balichand Permashwar, family medicine specialist with Lumberton Medical Clinic, an affiliate of Southeastern Regional Medical Center. “Patients should stay home in isolation and hand-washing is essential.  When coughing, cover your mouth or cough into your elbow.”

Q: What are the signs?
A: If you have the 2009 H1N1 flu, you may:
o Have a fever.
o Have a cough.
o Have a runny or stuffy nose.
o Have a sore throat.
o Feel sick to your stomach or vomit.
o Have diarrhea.

Q: Can you get it from eating food?
A: No. It is not spread by food, and you can't become infected by eating pork or pork products.

Q: How can I protect myself?
A: Get vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 flu. Also, wash your hands often in soap and water. If you don't have soap and water, use hand wipes or cleansing gel.
In addition:
o Get plenty of sleep and exercise.
o Drink lots of fluids and eat healthy foods.
o Try not to touch your mouth, nose or eyes. If you must do that, wash your hands first.
o Try not to be around sick people.

Since the 2009 H1N1 vaccine doesn’t protect against seasonal flu, you also should get the regular flu vaccine. You should not get vaccinated against either the 2009 H1N1 flu or the seasonal flu if you’re allergic to chicken eggs.

Q: Can it be treated?
A: Yes. Two prescription medicines may help treat the 2009 H1N1 flu. If you get sick, the medicines can make the illness milder. They can also help you get better faster. The drugs work best if you start taking them within two days of having signs of the flu.

Q: What should I do if I get sick?
A: More than likely, you'll get better all on your own.
However, you should call your provider if your symptoms are really bad or if you're in the group who is at high risk for problems from the 2009 H1N1 flu. That group includes:
o Anyone 24 years old or younger.
o Pregnant women.
o Adults 25 to 64 years old who have a chronic medical condition, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart or kidney disease.

Also, stay home unless you need to get medical care. And avoid contact with other people as much as possible. This will help keep them from getting sick too. You may be able to spread the flu for up to seven days after you get sick. Children may be able to spread the disease for even longer than that.

Southeastern Regional Medical Center operates eight primary care clinics in both Bladen and Robeson counties. To locate the clinic nearest you, call (910) 671-5018.

To learn more about H1N1 flu, go to www.cdc.gov/H1N1.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; World Health Organization

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