Dear Readers:
Welcome to a special edition of “Good Medicine for You” in response to the many news stories on the swine flu.
Swine flu: Is it time to worry?
By now, we’re all aware of the swine flu. It’s been in the news 24/7 as a result of an outbreak that prompted both the United States and World Health Organization to declare a public health emergency.
So far, the number of confirmed cases is relatively small compared to the world or US population; however, the statistics are growing. In comparison, between five and 20 percent of the US population is diagnosed with the flu every year. As of this writing, we’re nowhere close to those numbers, but no one can predict what will happen next.
Pennsylvania Medical Society member John Goldman, MD, an infectious disease specialist in Harrisburg, offers these thoughts.
“It is something that we should be preparing for,” he said. “It is not something we should be panicking about. There clearly is potential for this to become widespread disease.”
So we’re not in panic mode at this point. But, as Dr. Goldman suggests, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be prepared or be working to prevent any spread of this flu.
There is excellent medical and government work going on now to make sure we can handle the situation if it develops for the worse. Hospitals and doctors are all on alert and are taking necessary steps. Fortunately, swine flu is treatable.
With that said, there are things you can do to prevent catching the swine flu, or to slow the spread. And, these are the same things you do during the normal flu season. These include:
- Wash your hands with soap regularly
- Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough
- Stay in good general health by getting plenty of sleep, eating healthy foods, and managing stress
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Be careful of what you touch
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- If you get sick, don’t go to work, school, or other public locations
“Washing your hands frequently and not touching your face will make it less likely that you will come in contact with the virus,” says Dr. Goldman. “Also, doing the things that your mother told you to do—getting enough rest, don’t smoke, don’t drink too much. It makes you a less susceptible host.”
If you think you’re getting the flu, see your physician. Signs of the swine flu are similar to the regular flu and include:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Occasional gastrointestinal symptoms, like diarrhea
Only time will tell how bad this outbreak is. For now, the best advice is to follow the above tips so that you and your loved ones stay healthy.