We’ve been hearing about the “Swine Flu” since April of 2009. In June ’09 H1N1 (swine flu) became classified as an epidemic and there were quite a few deaths related to this particular strain of the flu.


So what did humanity do to guard against this potentially fatal germ? We developed a vaccine to help protect against H1N1. Being a nurse in New York, I was mandated to get both the seasonal flu and H1N1, but of course no sooner had I received both vaccines did they turn over the ruling so that it was no longer mandated. Either way I received the vaccines, in shot form. I bring all of this up because of a disturbing trend we’ve been seeing at the hospital: Some people are even holding “swine flu parties” where one or two people infected with the H1N1 virus stands around letting guests touch their bodies and get breathed upon in the hopes of becoming immune to the virus through exposure. Obviously I don’t recommend this practice due to the very reasonable chance of becoming infected one’s self (rather than simply building immunity). Not to mention this is a great way to spread the virus, which only further increases the epidemic. Get immunized.

So you’ve been coughing and feeling icky for the last week or so and naturally fear that you’ve been affected with the swine flu. The main symptoms of H1N1 include a fever, coughing, sore throat, headaches/ body aches, chills, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. The hysteria however is largely unfounded as the virus is fatal only to a small percentage of infected individuals. It isn’t necessary to run out and seek medical attention right off the bat. It’s more beneficial to stay home from work, school, or social gatherings if you have a fever above 100F. You can take Tylenol and/or Motrin to help reduce the fever, but remember that a fever isn’t considered truly gone until it has gone down without the use of medication.

Drink plenty of clear liquids (water), chicken broth, or fluids with electrolytes in them (Gatorade, Pedialyte and so on). Individuals who are very old, very young, are pregnant, individuals with a chronic health issues such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease should avoid anyone with the flu and take extra precautions.

If you start to experience any of the following symptoms you need to seek medical attention right away: Difficulty breathing, chest pain, purple or blue discoloration to your lips, or are unable to keep fluids down. Feeling dizzy when standing and/or the inability to urinate are signs of severe dehydration and you need to see a health care worker as soon as possible in this scenario.

The swine flu is spread by contact and airborne particles. Contrary to common belief, it is not spread from eating undercooked pork. The reason for the strange name is because upon first analysis, the strain showed to have the same genes as the virus affecting pigs of North America.

Upon further investigation it was discovered that the genes were indeed the same as those flues affecting swine from Europe and Asia. It also shares genes with various bird species in those places also.

What to do to protect your self and others? Wash your hands often with soap and water. Make sure you wash for at least 20 seconds. If there is not soap and water around use the alcohol based gel and/or hand wipes (carry these with you at all times). If you cough or sneeze, do it away from people and, as is the new practice, make sure to do it into the crook of the elbow. The best precaution, as you might have guessed, is simply to stay away form those infected as much as possible.

Have fun but be healthy this time of the year so that spring finds you fit and ready to get back in the saddle.