H1N1 Is A Serious Case
No one likes coming down with a cold. It can disrupt anyone’s life. You have a terrible cough, congestion and might even be running a fever. So you decide to wait it out but it only seems to be getting worse. You may need to consider that you have something a bit more serious than the typical bug that is going around. You need to seek medical attention to determine whether or not you have the H1N1 flu. It can be deadly to high risk individuals who have lowered immune systems. It can also be dangerous to young children. But there is a lot of misinformation out there about this strain of the flu so you need to have the facts before you begin to panic. This article can help you understand what the virus is and how you can protect yourself, and your family, from feeling the effects.
How is H1N1 different from the swine flu?
Though many people call the H1N1 flu the swine flu, it is actually not. It was first thought, because of genetic markers, that it was a mutated strain of the swine flu that is common in pigs in North America. But further testing has revealed that it is actually not the same. Scientists and researchers at the Center for Disease Control have labeled this flu as”quadruple reassortant” flu because it is actually a virus that contains two genes that come from swine flues in Europe and Asia and it has markers for avian flu and the human flu.
Can flu become a pandemic?
Yes, flu can easily become a pandemic. A pandemic is defined as a disease or illness that has spread to a vast majority of the population or is in danger of spreading. Usually the illness has to be airborne as this is the quickest way for people to become infected with the virus. There have been many instances of flu strains becoming pandemics. The Spanish flu wiped out thousands of people and was an incredible danger to millions. The Center for Disease Control has officially labeled the H1N1 flu as being a pandemic because it has affected so many people on different continents and is spread so easily.
What steps can I take to prevent the H1N1 flu?
Sometimes it is the most basic and practical steps that can prevent infection from anything that is contagious. The first and most important step you can take to prevent any strain of the flu is to wash your hands often. Hot soap and water is the most effective way to prevent infection. The second step is to wash the surfaces of your home with a disinfectant. This will kill any germs present. If you happen to be out and about and cannot wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer that has a high alcohol percentage to kill the germs. If you know someone who has the H1N1 virus, or any flu virus, you should not visit them while they are contagious. Simple steps such as not touching your face or covering your nose and mouth will go a long way to preventing you from becoming ill with the flu.
What can I do to help myself if I do come down with the flu?
Any flu can be life threatening if not treated properly. One of the biggest dangers is dehydration. It is important to keep taking in liquids even when you do not feel like drinking. If you are running a fever you need to take a fever reducer such as Tylenol. You can also help boost your immune system with Vitamin C. If you catch the flu early enough you can get a shot of Tamiflu from your physician. The Tamiflu shot will help shorten the duration of the flu. The most important thing you can do besides keep up your liquid intake is to rest. Rest can do wonders for the body and can help it repair itself and fight the flu.
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