Here is an article written by our own Dr. Ami Mavani about the worries people have about the Swine Flu, the symptoms, and what steps we can take to protect ourselves.
How scared should you be?
It is all over the news. The new swine flu pandemic, online, horrifying images of the Spanish flu that killed 50 million people. I wish the media would not imply parallels between the two. Can it turn into one? Yes, just like my car ride could turn into a fatal accident tomorrow. That doesn’t mean I stop driving but just make sure I wear my seat belt everyday. Sometimes I drive slower if traffic conditions are bad.
Should we take precautions? Yes.
Should we be paranoid? No.
What to watch for?
Flu like symptoms, fever, body aches, chills. It may start as cold and progress. The strain is mild, so most cases will run their course and do well. If the strain mutates, The CDC will let us know and further precautions and treatments will be started.
Can it be tested?
Yes. Doctor’s offices carry kits that test for the regular flu. It takes only 15 minutes to run. If they turn positive for Influenza A, then we would send it out for testing for the Swine flu.
What is the treatment?
Treatment guidelines are the same as for the regular Influenza virus and treatment with antivirals is started in patients suspected to have the swine flu.
How can you prevent it?
The same precautions that one would take for any respiratory illness are effective in preventing the spread. Sick people should stay home. The well people should wash their hands and avoid very crowded areas. Masks may provide some protection. Boost your immune system with good nutrition. Antivirals are used for prevention in close contacts of the cases or in medical personnel at high risk. There is no data on homepathics like oscilloconnum which is used in a weekly dose to help prevent flu, but it may be worth a try.
Exercise and sleep well and stay relaxed. Bugs love nothing more than an immune system that is out of whack from worry.
You can go online to www.CDC.gov for more detailed information.
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