Health

By ISJ Clinic- Mayo Health System

Late fall in the Midwest brings beautiful scenery, crisp weather and the beginning of flu season. Each year in the U.S., more than 200,000 people are hospitalized with complications from what is commonly known as the seasonal flu. Now through December is the best time to get vaccinated against the seasonal flu, if you haven’t already done so.

H1N1 Novel Influenza (also known as swine flu) has led the headlines since first appearing in Mexico in March 2009 and was declared a global pandemic in June. Below, Ruth Bolton, M.D., ISJ Clinic – EastRidge Urgent Care, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the virus, and provides advice for keeping yourself and your family healthy this flu season.

Q. What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?

A. Symptoms are similar to those caused by other flu strains, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and/or fatigue. In addition, some people have experienced diarrhea and vomiting.

Q. If the symptoms of H1N1 flu and seasonal flu are the same, why are people so concerned about this virus?

A. H1N1 is a new virus, and people likely have little or no natural immunity to it. This means the virus could spread more easily and be more severe than typical seasonal flu viruses. In addition, those most severely affected have been young, otherwise healthy adults – a group not typically at risk for flu complications.

Q. How is H1N1 flu treated?

A. Drink lots of fluids, get plenty of sleep and use an over-thecounter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen if needed.

Q. How can I protect myself and my family?

A. My advice is the same this year as any other year: the best thing you can do to stay safe is to try to avoid infection. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer. Do not touch your hands to your face, eyes or mouth without washing your hands. Avoid close contact with people you know have the flu and avoid crowds – where flu spreads easily – as much as possible. Most people should get the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine when it becomes available. And everyone should do the things we should all be doing daily: eat well, get enough sleep and exercise.

In addition, develop a family plan in case you or your family members come down with the flu. This plan should include:

• Contact information (phone numbers, e-mail addresses) for adults in the household or others who may be asked to care for sick children.

• Contact information for your health care provider.

• Contact information for your local hospital emergency department or urgent care center.

• Contact information for your child’s school or daycare provider.

• Plans with your employer(s) in case you need to stay home to care for a sick child. Keep in mind illness from the flu could extend over several days.

• Have a supply of hand sanitizer, facial tissue, pain medication/fever reducer and cough medicine on hand in the event someone in your household becomes ill.

By following these simple steps and staying informed of the latest information, we all can help reduce the severity of this year’s flu season