H1N1 virus - Who's afraid of the big bad flu?

The novel Influenza A (H1N1) virus, otherwise known as the swine flu virus, has been receiving a lot of media hype lately, escalating people's fears and making it seem like a new plague has been set upon us. In times like this, it is very important to do your own research, because nothing is scarier than not knowing the truth. Unfortunately, although updated information is readily available on websites that we can trust, not everyone has the capacity or the patience to learn medical jargon. Therefore, let's do away with all the mumbo-jumbo and present the facts as they are.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), H1N1 is a new influenza virus that has never before infected humans. Because of this, our immune systems are not familiar with this micro-organism and may take some time to create antibodies, which is our natural defense against viral infections. Without existing immunity, the virus was able to easily cause disease in humans, even though it is not spread as rapidly as, for example, the SARS virus. As with any infectious disease, there are bound to be casualties, and as of the end of October 2009, there have been 440,000 confirmed cases and 5,700 deaths reported to WHO.

However, most people who do get infected with H1N1 experience mild illness that is no different from seasonal flu and recover at home. All that is needed to help them get well is supportive care, which consists of rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking a pain reliever to, well, relieve pain. However, we should NEVER give aspirin to a child with a flu, because there is a very real risk that he or she might develop Reye's syndrome, which severely affects the liver and the brain.

The swine flu virus is not related in any way to the seasonal influenza virus, for which many of us get yearly shots. However, the two infectious agents are similar in that they are both spread from person to person by coughing, sneezing, and touching. Armed with this information alone, we can easily find ways to prevent the spread of disease in our communities. For example, we may need to remind ill relatives and friends to cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing. It is also a good idea to practice regular handwashing even when we feel well.

That's basically all we need to know about the virus. Now let us turn to the treatment. So how do we treat swine flu? That's something only your doctor can decide, because although antiviral drugs are available on the market, they do not work for all viral infections. Explaining why will take time, and is beyond the point of this text. Suffice it to say that antiviral therapy is not rocket science. There is, however, an aspect of prevention that we need to talk about, and that is the new H1N1 vaccine.

It is obvious that many people are afraid of getting vaccinated. That is understandable, but more often than not, scientifically valid reasons are distorted by fear ignited by hearsay evidence and fanned by opportunistic individuals and entities. So to set matters straight, let us identify what type of individuals face real danger when receiving the vaccine.

Based on findings by vaccine manufacturers and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), these are the absolute contraindications, or in other words, an individual should not get the vaccine if he or she has one of these:
1. Guillain-Barre Syndrome has occurred within 6 weeks of previous influenza vaccination (symptoms: weakness starting from the lower limbs going up, numbness or tingling, difficulty in swallowing, etc.)
2. Current intake of immunosuppressive drugs, or any other condition that results in a reduced immune response
3. Allergy to eggs or chicken protein, neomycin, polymyxin
4. Life-threatening reaction to previous influenza vaccination

On the other hand, the H1N1 vaccine is highly recommended in these high-risk groups:
1. Pregnant women
2. Persons who live with or provide care for infants <6 months
3. Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
4. Persons aged 6 months - 24 years
5. Persons aged 25-64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications

Other than these, the CDC has no specific recommendations other than that everyone should get vaccinated when they have the chance. This approach is based on the expected benefit to the population in general and does not take into account individual cases. That means you would have to weigh the risks and benefits for yourself. By observation, children and younger individuals are more prone to developing complications of swine flu infection, so they would be my treatment priority when there is an impending outbreak in my community.

Like the regular flu, novel Influenza A (H1N1) virus infection can be fought off by our own immune systems if we are healthy and have no long-term medical conditions. Patients with pre-existing heart (except uncomplicated hypertension), kidney, lung (including asthma) problems and diabetes are considered high risk and need individualized treatment. Always consider the good and the bad before you decide to take the vaccine (or not). If you choose not to get vaccinated, the best thing to do is to avoid getting exposed to infected persons.

It helps to talk to your doctor about the H1N1 flu, but try to get an unbiased opinion if possible. At the end of the day, your health is your own responsibility, so try to be more proactive and learn to differentiate the facts from the health myths.