Seniors, Are You Prepared for Swine Flu?

Over the last month, the news has been hot with new swine flu scares, warnings and alerts—and not just for seniors or the elderly. This flu is not the same as the one that we've been vaccinated for each year. The new flu virus is of swine origin, but it is capable of infecting people through person-to-person contact. Swine flu is spread the same way that the "regular" or seasonal flu is spread—by sneezes or coughs from those infected with the swine flu. Touching surfaces infected with these droplets and then touching one's mouth or nose can cause infection. It's not contracted by eating infected pork. Since this swine flu is new, people don't have resistance.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu?

The symptoms of swine flu are much like those of the "regular" flu with a couple of differences.

Just like with the regular flu, certain people are more at risk for serious flu-associated complications. Those at greater risk include:

• Seniors and the aged so anyone 65 years and older
• Those with chronic medical conditions
• Pregnant women
• Children younger than 5 years old

Swine Flu Prevention & Treatment

There are everyday actions that you can take to help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza and to protect yourself or seniors in your life from getting swine flu. The best way is to follow the usual steps that help prevent other respiratory infections like colds or the regular flu.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following actions¹

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Wash for 15 to 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

If you should become ill with flu symptoms, contact your health care provider right away. Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) are antivirals that, if started within two days of symptoms, can help reduce symptoms and duration of swine flu.

Stay active in both mind and body… take care!

Dr. Joe Woelfel

References
1. Questions & Answers, H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 8, 2009, Accessed May 14, 2009 at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm.

Posted in General News, Geriatric Pharmacology