H1N1: It's one of the official top words of 2009. The swine flu is all over the news and has touched the collective nerve of communities across America, including Wichita. Many rumors and falsehoods are associated with the illness. A few facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) should help to calm fears and direct the appropriate attention to preventing H1N1 or easing symptoms.

Prevention

Much like other versions of the flu, the risk of contracting H1N1 may be diminished by following several rules:

• Get vaccinated. Although the vaccine is currently being given only to certain at-risk groups in Wichita, it is becoming more available as time passes. Make sure to get those in the at-risk categories vaccinated as soon as possible; its safety has been assured by the CDC. Check out the free clinic at the Wichita Mall (4095 E Harry Street, 67218), offered by the Sedgwick County Health Department. Or check with your physician or your child's pediatrician to see if the vaccine is available.
• Wash your hands frequently, especially after shaking hands, handling money or using utensils (e.g., telephone, pen, pencil, scissors) or touching door handles. Sanitary hand washing means using soap and vigorously creating a lather for at least 30 seconds before rinsing with hot water.
• Use paper towels to dry your hands and then discard them in the trash, rather than using a cloth towel.
• Do not touch your nose, eyes or mouth—all portals for bacteria to enter your system.
• If you must blow your nose, immediately discard the tissue into the trash and wash your hands.
• Cough into your elbow, as opposed to your hand.
• Avoid contact with anyone diagnosed with H1N1. If you are caring for someone with H1N1, try to stay at least 6 feet from them. Use a face mask while in the same room with an infected person. Ask your physician about taking an antiviral medication to help prevent contracting H1N1 from the person you are taking care of.

Additional steps that may increase your chances of staying healthy include keeping the nasal passages moist with a saline nasal spray (used once or twice daily in the dry winter months), using a neti pot daily to flush away bacteria, exercising, boosting your immunity with fresh vegetables, fruits and supplements and drinking plenty of fresh water to keep all organs working optimally. Do not smoke and limit alcoholic drinks, as they are dehydrating and hard on the body.

Care

If you do contract H1N1, keep a lookout for a few warning signs that indicate the need for emergency care:

• Any kind of breathing problems
• Pain in the abdomen or chest
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Vomiting (continual or severe)

If your child contracts H1N1, seek immediate help if the child takes on a bluish color, has trouble breathing or waking up, develops a rash or a cough or stops taking in fluids.

Most people will handle the H1N1 flu much like the regular flu—with home care that includes plenty of fluids and rest, with some minor pain management (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen, over-the-counter flu remedies). Staying home and away from the general public not only helps the sufferer get well faster, but it also helps contain the disease.

For those who are at higher risk of developing complications from the flu, extra care should be taken. Such groups include children under the age of 5, adults over the age of 65, pregnant women, asthma sufferers, those with weakened immune systems (e.g., chronic steroid users, those with cancer, HIV or AIDS) and any others with compromised health (e.g., kidney or liver disorders,chronic lung disease, metabolic issues).

For more information, visit the CDC's Web site.