Surviving the 2010-11 Flu Season Before we begin to discuss specifics about the flu, it’s important we understand the different types of flu we will face this year. As you may recall, 2009 was the year that many were feeling a bit of panic due to the H1N1 flu (swine flu). While there were certainly cases of that strain of flu that hit, it was not nearly as severe as had been predicted. That doesn’t mean, however, that it’s all right to drop your guard for this year’s flu season.

Each year brings new strains and new vaccines to fight the strains. This year is no exception. This year’s flu vaccine is designed to fight against three strains of the virus: the influenza B virus, the H1N1 and the H3N2 virus, which is discussed shortly. What we will do in this article is touch very briefly on the common cold, go into more detail about seasonal flu and talk a great deal about H1N1 and the H3N2 viruses. By doing this, we can talk about prevention but also dispel some common misconceptions about the flu viruses.

Seasonal Flu vs. H1N1 vs. H3N2
Seasonal flu is a virus that has been around before so there is an ongoing immunity in the community that prevents widespread transmission. These outbreaks occur typically in fall and winter and can affect up to twenty percent of the population in any given year.

H1N1 is a strain of a virus that is relatively new. Some call it "swine flu" because in the past it has been found to be carried in pigs. There is no built-up immunity to it, so it can spread and affect people quite dramatically. Some call this flu the beginning of a pandemic (a flu that spreads rapidly from person to person to create a worldwide epidemic). While this strain meets two of the three characteristics of a pandemic (it is new and it must infect people), it has yet to meet the third criteria that it must spread easily from person to person. There simply have not been enough cases to substantiate that claim.

H3N2 is an offshoot of the H1N1 virus. It is found to be more prevalent this season and is a combination of human, swine and avian (bird) genes. Its symptoms and severity are identical to the H1N1 virus.

How Is the Flu Spread? Whether it is seasonal flu, H1N1 or H3N2, transmission is the same. When a person sneezes or coughs, large virus-laden droplets are deposited and transmitted to the upper respiratory tract of a susceptible person nearby (within about three feet of the droplets). For example, an infected person sneezes and the mucus that comes out of that sneeze lands on a table nearby. A person walking nearby stops at that table and puts their hand down where the mucus was deposited. They then scratch their eye and the virus is transmitted through their eye to the respiratory system and if they are susceptible, they will suffer flu symptoms. How long does a virus stay active on a surface? The answer could be anywhere from a few seconds up to 48 hours.

Differences Between Flu and Colds:
The flu, like the common cold, is a respiratory infection caused by a virus. But the flu differs from a cold in several ways. People who get colds rarely get fevers or headaches and they generally do not suffer from the extreme exhaustion brought on by the flu. With colds, it generally affects the upper respiratory area and does not make you feel like you have been “knocked off your feet.” The flu sure does.

Symptoms of the Common Cold vs. Seasonal Flu vs. H1NI/H3N2:

Complications of the flu can include ear infections, sinus infections, bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, congestive heart failure and worsening of chronic conditions. It is imperative to keep tuned in to your body to avoid any and all complications.

How to Prevent Catching and/or Transmitting the Flu:

• If sneezing, cough into your sleeve or into a tissue. ALWAYS COVER YOUR MOUTH and teach your children the importance of doing the same.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after sneezing or coughing. Use alcohol-based cleaners whenever necessary.
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose since germs are spread this way.
• If you find yourself sick with symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours AFTER your fever is gone. The only exception to this is if you need to seek medical treatment.
• Pay attention to public health advice regarding school closures or other closings due to illness.
• Get a flu vaccine every year and use whatever flu drugs may be available for the H1N1/H3N2 virus.
• Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, drink plenty of fluids and eat a nutritious diet.

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Because your body takes time to adjust to the vaccine, you should get the shot or flu mist six to eight weeks before the flu season begins in October.

Possible Side Effects From Flu Shot Vaccines:

Because the viruses in the flu shot are inactive, you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. You may, however, experience some minor side effects.

• Soreness, redness or swelling at the sight of the injection
• Low grade fever
• Body aches

These effects can last from soon after the shot is given up to two days, but the vast majority of people who receive the flu shot have no serious issues. In some small instances, serious side effects can occur, mostly from allergic reactions. Contact your doctor for further attention if anything other than the above symptoms occurs.

The flu mist may also carry some possible side effects and can differ slightly in children versus adults...

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Additional Medicine Available for Prevention:

There are some options available in terms of antiviral medicine. Tamiflu can be used by adults and children who are older than one year. Relenza is another medicine and it can be used by people five years or older. Both of these medicines help to prevent the flu if you take them for at least two weeks during an outbreak of flu in your community. You can use these if you are in close proximity to someone who has the flu. You may also use these for the two- to four-week periods after taking a shot when your body is getting adjusted to the vaccine.

Can Wearing a Mask Help Prevent Me From Getting H1N1/H3N2? There is no definitive proof that facemasks will offer protection against the H1N1/H3N2 virus. One study does show that when a member of a family wears a mask around the infected person, their chance of getting the virus is reduced by sixty to eighty percent. Since the H1N1 virus and the seasonal flu are caused by the deposit of large droplets, a facemask would seem to be a logical barrier to catching the virus since it is designed to combat large droplets. Here are some guidelines as to who might benefit from wearing a mask: If you must come within six feet of an infected person, wear a facemask. Health care professionals would fall into this category. If you already have the flu, wear a mask if you must go out around other people. If you live in a household where someone has contracted the flu, wear a mask when going near other people. The reason for this is that you may already be infected but have no symptoms.

What To Do If You Get the Flu:

If, after taking precautions, you still find you have the flu, take the following steps:

• Stay home for AT LEAST 24 hours after your fever has ended. If you have to reduce your fever through ibuprofen or acetaminophen, that does not qualify as fever free.
• Avoid close contact with others, especially those more susceptible to the virus such as older people, pregnant women, infants, children and people with compromised immune systems.
• Wear a facemask when sharing areas with other household members to help prevent the spread of the virus.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink plenty of clear fluids...water, broth, electrolyte and sports beverages. This will help avoid dehydration.
• Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing...cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow to avoid spreading the virus to your hands.
• Wash hands with soap and water frequently. If no soap or water is available, use an alcohol-based hand solution often.
• Speak to your doctor about medications that may be available to help you.

Your best defense against the flu is making sure you watch for warning signs and take steps to protect yourself and your family. Talk with your physician and get as much information that you can to arm yourself against a possible outbreak. Most of all don’t panic. There are many steps you can take to ensure a safe and healthy fall and winter.

Knowledge is key to combating any sickness. For further information on seasonal flu, H1N1 and H3N2, go to the following links:

Wake County specific information: www.wakegov.com

Centers for Disease Control: Many links available to different topics relating to the flu and the H1N1 and H3N2 viruses: www.cdc.gov

Is It Safe to Eat Pork Products?

The H1N1 virus originally got the name “swine flu” because it is carried in pigs. H1N1 and H3N2 have not been transmitted to people through eating properly prepared pork. Feel free to continue eating pork products and, as always, cook it thoroughly and practice safe cooking habits.

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