Preparing for the battle of the bug

SAMC offers advice to help fight swine and seasonal flu viruses

CROWN POINT - It’s but a matter of time before seasonal and swine flu bugs invade Northwest Indiana and Saint Anthony Medical Center wants to help the public better understand what to expect and to not panic in the process.

Following a spring nationwide outbreak that resulted in oft-published reports of fatalities associated with H1N1, the technical name for swine flu, some people may view the virus as akin to a death sentence as it returns this fall. That’s not the case, according to Dr. Daniel Netluch, Saint Anthony chief of emergency medicine and urgent care.

“In fact, initially, you have a greater chance of dying from the regular flu,” he added, advising patients to receive vaccinations against both types of virus. While no vaccine carries a 100-percent guarantee, “you’re better off getting a flu shot, than not getting it,” Netluch said.

Swine flu, so named because it is similar to viruses normally found in pigs, is unique in that it carries an infectious agent that previously had not affected humans, unlike seasonal flu, to which most people have been exposed at some point.

Netluch said seasonal and swine flu exhibit similar symptoms – high fever (above 101 degrees), aches and pains, coughing, vomiting, runny nose – and should be treated mostly alike.
“There is no way of knowing which type of flu you have, without testing, and right now the Indiana State Board of Health is not recommending testing. Any patient diagnosed or suspected as having influenza will be assumed to have the H1N1 strain,” Netluch said, advising people who fall ill, become concerned and have questions to contact their doctor or hospital information center. They should go to the emergency room only if symptoms intensify during the course of several days.

“If the fever keeps rising and you just keep feeling worse, call your doctor, or come to the ER.’’ The duration of the illnesses is about a week, although some symptoms, such as cough, can persist. Persons typically no longer are contagious 24 hours after a fever breaks, Netluch said.

In the case of swine flu, it is possible to develop severe respiratory symptoms after several days that can progress to pneumonia or other complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta.

The CDC says the two viruses differ in that with swine flu, the number of deaths reported is less than seasonal flu among people aged 64 and older, while swine flu has caused more problems for people under age 25.

Seasonal flu vaccinations are available in the area now, while those for swine flu will be on hand in mid-October. The flu season normally runs October through March.
“Two million (H1N1) doses are expected for Indiana, with them being distributed to counties based on size. The county health departments, in turn, will decide how many doses are made available to each area,’’ Netluch said.

Besides a vaccination, a little common sense can go a long way to prevent catching a bug, according to Chris Shakula, Saint Anthony nurse epidemiologist.
“The flu basically is spread by droplets and enters the body through the nose and mouth. If someone coughs or sneezes and you are in close range to them, you can pick up the flu. Also, if you touch an object an infected person has touched and then touch your mucous membranes without first washing your hands, you can get it,’’ she said, adding flu viruses usually survive two to four hours on hard surfaces.

It is possible to get the flu, even if you have received a shot, but the vaccine is not to blame, contrary to what some people think, Shakula and Netluch agree.
“People say they won’t get a flu shot because the last time they got one, they got really sick,” Netluch said. “That means they probably contracted a different strain of the flu than the one for which they were vaccinated, or they may have a cold.” Fever and body aches are more indicative of the flu.
Shakula also pointed out that it takes a flu shot about two weeks to be effective.
“So, if you are infected before that time, you can get the flu.”

HEALTHY ADVICE
If you don’t want the flu:
* Get a flu shot.
* Stay away from infected people.
* Wash your hands properly. Use soap, preferably the antibacterial variety, and warm running water. Lather the hands, rubbing them together vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds, scrubbing the front and back, between the fingers and under the fingernails. Rinse well, drying them with a clean or disposable towel and use a towel to turn off the faucet.
* Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Apply about ½ teaspoon of the product to the palm of a hand. Rub the hands together, covering all surfaces, until they dry. If they are visibly dirty, use soap and water first.

If you get the flu:
* Stay home.
* Rest and drink plenty of liquids.
* Avoid using alcohol or tobacco.
* Use over-the-counter medications to treat symptoms (but do not give aspirin to children or teens who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever).
* Consult a doctor for the best treatment. Seek immediate care if signs of severe symptoms arise.