How to not get the swine flu: A basic primer on the A(H1N1) virus

The first shipments of the H1N1 vaccine started arriving
on Oct. 3.  The target date for shots to be available in
Palm Beach County is Oct. 19.       AP photo/Nati Harnik
 

Are you in a panic over the possibility of catching the A(H1N1) virus, commonly (though mistakenly) known as the swine flu? That wouldn't be surprising: With all the breathless news reports of swine flu outbreaks, along with the public pressure from experts to get a flu shot, you'd think we were all just a cough-sneeze away from death's door!  So, in an effort to put some healthy reality back into the issue, here's a basic primer on how not to get the swine flu!

First of all, what exactly is this virus?

• The A(H1N1) virus, first detected in the United States in April 2009, is a mutation virus that combines certain swine, avian and human flu strains.  As in the common influenza virus, it is transmitted only by human-to-human contact -- not from pigs as originally implied by its name. (Thus, you cannot get it by eating infected pork products -- though, for general safety,  you should always cook pig meat thoroughly, to an internal temperature of 160 degrees.)

Second, what are its symptoms?

Symptoms are similar to the common flu: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. But in addition, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, often are experienced. 

Now, let's take a realistic look at your chances of contracting the virus: 

• From Aug. 30 to Oct. 3 2009, 1,544 people died from influenza (including H1N1) or pneumonia, with 12,384 people requiring hospitalization, according to CDC figures. To put this in perspective, consider that each year, regular flus kill about 36,000 people in the U.S., and send 200,000 to the hospital. Granted, we haven't entered the "flu" season yet, during which time there likely will be a greater impact; but these numbers hardly comprise a "pandemic" -- at least not yet.

And, let's assess your individual risk for dying from this flu:

• If you are a reasonably healthy and fit person who comes down with the virus, you are very unlikely to suffer more than the flu symptoms above, let alone dying from it!  But people with suppressed immune systems  should practice more caution. These vulnerable groups include pregnant women, very young children, overweight or obese people, elderly people and people with existing health conditions. 

Now, consider whether you should take the flu vaccine.

In Palm Beach County, the shots are expected to become available starting Oct. 19. There is much controversy about whether flu shots do more harm than good, with valid arguments from both camps. So, the choice is really up to you. However, be aware that the CDC recommends immunization  to the following groups:

• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months
• Health-care and emergency medical services personnel
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
• Persons ages 25 through 64 who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

Finally, here's a list of ways to not get the flu, either by avoiding coming into contact with the virus or by strengthening your own immune system:

To avoid it:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. (Trash the tissue after you use it.) If you don't have a tissue, don't sneeze or cough into your hand; use the inside of your bent elbow instead.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick, and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

To fight it off:

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise. 
• Get good nutrition: Make sure to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats (Omega 3s), plus vitamins C and D. Avoid excessive consumption of sugars, fatty junk foods, and alcohol.
• Keep up a regular fitness routine.
• Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety -- such as meditation, yoga, spending time with friends, reading or watching funny or pleasant books and programs. And try to laugh as much as possible. 

Bottom line: Don't panic! Take reasonable precautions against catching the virus, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to support your immunity. If you do get the flu, ride it out at home with the necessary medications, and go see your doctor if your symptoms are prolonged or extreme.