COMMENTARY>>H1N1 411: Know the facts

Recent Arkansas deaths due to H1N1 flu complications have raised concerns on how to prevent getting the disease.

Unfortunately, the disease affects everyone differently and symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Until the H1N1 vaccination is available later this fall, it will be vital for all active duty members to follow several simple prevention methods. People who experience flu-like signs and symptoms are encouraged to stay home. Those experiencing severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

H1N1 influenza was first detected in the United States in April 2009, spreading from person-to-person much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with the flu viruses on it and then touch their mouth or nose.

What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people? People infected with either virus may be infectious 5-7 days before showing symptoms. Common signs of H1N1 can range from mild to severe and are similar to the seasonal flu: fever over 101 degrees, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, headache, chills and fatigue. Most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment.

Who is considered “high risk” for H1N1 flu complications?

Certain people are at “high risk” of serious complications; children younger than 5 years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. About 70 percent of H1N1 hospitalized patients have medical conditions previously recognized as “high risk.” Some of the medical conditions include asthma, heart conditions, diabetes and immune deficiencies, to name a few.

If people feel any flu signs or symptoms, be sure to follow these guidelines.

Stay home if people experience flu-like symptoms.

Work and school notes will be provided to children and civilian patients who call the clinic. The clinic will not provide school and work notes if not contacted.

Seek urgent medical attention for those who have difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting or if flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and a worse cough.

Prevention will be the best defense against infection until vaccinations are available. Here are a few tips on how to prevent getting H1N1:

Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.

Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Hand sanitizers that are at least 60 percent alcohol are also effective.

Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Strive to avoid becoming dehydrated by drinking rehydration solutions.

Be prepared if flu sickness occurs to stay home for a week or so. A supply of over-the-counter medicines such as

Tylenol/Motrin, or equivalent for fever and body aches, decongestants and or antihistamines, hand sanitizer, and other related items might be useful all will help avoid the need to make trips out in public while sick and contagious.

People with flu-like symptoms should not use aspirin.

Here are several important tips for those who have family members with signs and symptoms of H1N1 or seasonal flu:

Personnel who are well, but who have an ill family member at home with H1N1 flu can go to work as usual but should monitor their own health.

Children who show flu-like symptoms should stay home from school.

If a child has persistent flu-like symptoms more than a week and have begun to run a temperature greater than 101 degrees, wheezes, becomes extremely fussy or lethargic, or if symptoms worsen parents should call the clinic appointment line for treatment recommendations. Medical attention should be sought for individuals with flu-like symptoms who become dehydrated. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include:

Not drinking liquids.

Not urinating for more than 6 hours.

Dry mouth and lips, or the patient does not make tears when they cry. If any of these symptoms occur, contact the clinic at 987-8811 for further care.

(Courtesy of the 19th Medical Group)