It’s time for your annual flu shot, but most people are wondering, “What about the swine flu?”

That is a great question, because it has been reported by the experts that up to 70% of the flu contracted by humans currently have been the H1N1 strain. 

If that’s the case, why not just get the H1N1 vaccine?

 Again, good point, but unfortunately, this vaccine is still being worked on and at this point, they are running trials on both adults and children.  The release date is mid-October.  Most recent update states that the vaccine will be in the form of nasal spray.  It will be approved for people who are healthy and in the ages up to 49.  The vaccine will be called FluMist and not approved for people who are pregnant, children younger than 2, and people with asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions.  There are limitations in the people who can get the FluMist due to the vaccine being a weakened live strain of the virus.

Stats concerning H1N1 flu:

CDC has reported 8,842 hospitalized cases and 555 deaths due to the H1N1 flu in USA and its territories as of August 2009.  The media is noting increase deaths, but need to be aware that more cases are being reported, and this is part of the reason for an increase in the death toll.  In Canada, it is reported that the mortality (death) rate is less than 1%.

What is the status of the swine flu? 

It’s been reported no more deadlier than regular winter flu.  Experts say that the H1N1 strain DO spread easily, but is NOT associated with higher rates of deaths, hospitalizations, or complications compared to regular flu.  Most people recover without treatment and many become mildly ill.  Careful genetic tracking shows no sign yet of the virus mutating into a harsher strain.

To our surprise, the H1N1 strain seemed to be infecting the age group of 5-24 year olds 20 times more frequently than people over the age of 65.  It is reported that the older generation appears to have some resistance due to previous exposure to similar strains in the past.

What is the outlook for the 2^nd wave of H1N1 flu?

Well, the Southern Hemisphere is about to finish up their winter season and reporting only a moderately severe pandemic.  The analyses were gathered from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.

For example, Australia set up a special clinic outside the main hospitals to prevent possible flu-infected patients from entering the main building.  This was to prevent potential flu carriers from infecting hospitalized patients.

Should I get vaccinated for the regular influenza?

Yes, CDC and other experts are encouraging people to still get the flu vaccine, as the regular flu can be deadly as well.  Another point to be stressed is the possibility of mutations of the viral strains.  Health officials are concerned about mutations of the regular flu strain and the H1N1 strain; therefore, experts are encouraging people to get their annual flu shots. 

Who should get vaccinated?

1. Children 6 months to 18 years of age (If you have kids under the age of 6 months, it is important for parents, grandparents, or any other people who will be in close contact with the infant)
2. Adult age 50 and older
3. Pregnant women
4. People of chronic medical condition (Diabetes, Asthma, Heart disease, Neuromuscular disease, etc)
5. Health care workers
6. People living in nursing homes/long term care facilities
7. People who live with or care for people who are at high risk of flu complications

How do I prevent from getting flu/swine flu?

This is the million dollar question!  Well you may not be bullet proof, but if you follow simple hygiene regimen, you may decrease your chances of contracting the flu.

1. Washing hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.
2. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth with your forearm.
3. Stay home when you are sick, you need to be afebrile for at least 24 hours without the use of OTC anti-pyretic (Tylenol) to go back to work.
4. Get the flu vaccine
5. Get vaccinated for the H1N1 strain once it is available

What is the treatment for the flu?

If you are diagnosed with the flu, fortunately there are medications to treat for this disease.  There are the oral medication Oseltamivir, Amantadine, and Rimantadine.  There is an inhaler type medication called Zanamivir as well.  All these medications should be administered within 72 hours of the flu symptoms and the duration is usually 5 days.