there have been a number of deaths and hundreds of hospitalizations. Influenza viruses can mutate, so it is impossible to know whether the H1N1 Swine Flu virus will become more deadly. So far, this particular virus hasn’t changed much since it first appeared
Treatment
The H1N1 Swine Flu virus is sensitive to the antiviral drugs Tamiflu®
and Relenza® , but not everyone
needs those drugs. Most people who have come down with Swine Flu have recovered without treatment. The CDC has recommended prioritizing antiviral drugs for people with more severe illness and people in high-risk groups. .
Prevention
The H1N1 flu vaccine is readily available now. It comes in a shot and nasal spray form. The CDC has made recommendations about who should get the H1N1 vaccine. This list includes pregnant women and healthcare workers, among others. Due to the nature of your job, you should consider the H1N1 flu vaccine. Protection from swine flu is now part of the seasonal flu vaccine.
There is a relatively new weapon in our fight against the flu. Drugs called influenza antiviral drugs are now available. These drugs can be used to treat the flu or to prevent infection. Antiviral drugs are used to help control flu outbreaks among people at high risk of serious flu complications, such as those in nursing homes and hospitals.
Vaccination is the first and best flu defense, but antiviral drugs can be an important second line of defense to treat or prevent flu infection. To be most effective, influenza antiviral drugs should be started within 2 days of onset of symptoms. When used properly, these drugs can reduce flu symptoms and shorten the duration by 1 or 2 days.
There are currently 4 flu antiviral drugs approved for use in the United States. The CDC will issue guidance on which antiviral drugs to use during the current flu season. The 4 antiviral drugs are:
• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is approved to treat and prevent influenza A and B virus infection in those 1 year and older.
• Zanamivir (Relenza) is approved to treat influenza A and B virus infection in people 7 years and
The Basics 16
older and prevent influenza A and B infection in those 5 years and older.
• Amantadine (Symmetrel® • Rimantadine (Flumadine® ) is approved to treat
and prevent influenza A viruses in people older than 1 year.
) is approved to prevent
influenza A virus infection among people older than 1 year. It is approved to treat only influenza A virus infections in people 13 and older.
Antiviral drugs differ in terms of who can take them, how they are given, their dosage (which vary depending on a person’s age or medical conditions) and side effects.
Your doctor can help decide whether you should take an antiviral drug this flu season and which one you should use.
The CDC recommends taking these steps:
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
• Use an alcohol-based hand cleaner when soap and water are not available.
• Avoid close contact with sick people. • Refrain from touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
If you have flu symptoms, STAY HOME! When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the crook of your arm. Discard used tissues and use soap and water to wash your hands.
In general, most people who want to reduce the chance of getting the flu can get vaccinated. Check with Aircare Access, your local health department or the CDC for guidelines on who is most likely to need the vaccine.
The nasal-spray flu vaccine is an option for healthy people 2-49 years who are not pregnant, especially those who live with or care for people in a high-risk group. Groups that should not be vaccinated include children under 6 months, people who have had a severe reaction in the past and those with chicken egg allergies.
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