Oh, Fluey!
Unless you have been completely out of touch with humanity for the past year or so, you are aware - andprobably at least a little fearful - of the H1N1, or Swine Flu, virus. It seems that every time we listen to the news or read a newspaper, someone is reporting breathlessly on the latest school closing or other dire situation related to this new 'pandemic.' But is Swine Flu really as scary as we have been led to believe? The answer is a firm, unafraid "No"!
While I am well aware that H1N1 is a real virus, I feel compelled to tell you that it is nowhere near as dangerous as the media would have us to believe. How do I know this? Well, here in my home State, the University of Maryland recently completed a study on the virus. It showed that, while H1N1 was more easily spread than standard flu strains, it did not cause more serious illness. H1N1 can be spread through the gastrointestinal tract, causing diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and can reach deeper into the lungs, which is why those people who have underlying respiratory or GI problems may have a more virulent response to exposure. But in general, it is no more lethal than your standard flu bug. Another discovery was that, because H1N1 grew faster, it was less able to mutate, ant therefore less likely to evolve into a more drug-resistant strain. That's actually very good news.Another bit of positive news is that H1N1 seems to be less dangerous to infants than previously thought. Elderly folks, and younger children may have some increased risks when exposed, but infants appear to have some form of immune protection. The exact mechanism is not yet understood. This is not to say you should not make every effort to protect your baby, just to help calm some of the hysteria that is floating around these days. Should your older children or parents become infected, get them to the doctor right away. But remember, this is not a cause for panic, just for using good old-fashioned common sense.
To help avoid exposure, there are several things you can do. The first line of defense is - let's all say it together now - WASH YOUR HANDS, WASH YOUR HANDS, WASH YOUR HANDS! That means with soap and water, for at least as long as it takes to recite the alphabet. Dry them with a clean towel or paper towels to avoid cross-contamination. Do this after shopping (who else picked up that tomato/dress/necklace before you did?), after using the bathroom, after sitting through a movie (your arms and hands do touch the arms of the seats), and so forth. Using anti-bacterial gel is NOT as effective. If you have no other option though, it's better than nothing.
Will you be flying anytime over the next few months? You might want to pick up a package of disposable masks. OK, you'll look a little unusual perhaps, but who cares? You will be protecting yourself and your loved ones. As I write this, I am visiting with family in Texas, and I did see a few wise folks wearing those masks on the plane. It made me wish I'd had as much forethought. After all, the air that comes swooshing out of those little vents overhead is not filtered. It's just recycled through the ventilation system and back out to you. Oh, and who was the last person to adjust that vent and the light? Hand gel is a good friend in that situation. Influenza is never something to ignore, and this year's crop is no different. Talk to your doctors and get the flu shots they recommend. If someone you know has symptoms of flu - fever, congestion, headaches, nausea, diarrhea and/or lethargy - keep your family away from them until they are feeling better. If you or your loved ones come down with flu, by all means go to your medical professional and get treated. Stay away from work or school until you, or they, are better. Cold remedies and homeopathics such as "Oscillococcinum" (or the store brand with the same ingredients) can help relieve the aches and pains, and anti-diarrheals and anti-nausea preparations can help 'stem the tide', so to speak.
While H1N1 is very real, and does seem to spread faster than regular influenza, there is no hard evidence that it is responsible for more fatalities or serious illness than any other flu from any other year. It is not a repeat of the 1918 'Spanish Flu,' and there is no reason to lock yourself or your family away for the winter. Use your head, take sensible precautions, wash your hands (can't say that too often), and exhale. Seriously - your immune system works much better when you are rested and relaxed. Enjoy the coming Fall and Winter seasons, have fun, and if you do catch the flu, follow your doctor's orders. You'll be just fine after a few days and ready to face the world once again.
Nancy Miller, RN, BA Psych, CHyT
Nancy Miller got her RN degree in 1975 and went on to earn a BA in Humanistic Psychology from Goucher College in 2002. She's also a certified hypnotherapist and an ordained minister. Nancy is the mother of one child, her 24 year old son Eric, of whom she is extremely proud.
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