Swine flu in New England—Updates: Don’t Cancel Plans to Visit
Update for May 2, 2009
While there has been an uptick in new cases worldwide to 615, there are no new confirmed cases in New England. Nonetheless, suspected cases have closed the Harvard Dental School and Amherst College.
Misconceptions continue to spread at a rate far greater than the flu itself. In New York and other cities, some hospitals have seen a 40% increase in ER visits that have proven problematic for the staffs at those hospitals.
Apparently, people with only one symptom are presenting to ERs to seek assurances that they don’t have Swine Flu, which has undergone another name change to 2009 H1N1 by the WHO. And apprently, during an online interview, when Paris Hilton was asked about the Swine Flu, she responded, “I don’t eat that.” No, she’s not having a “blonde moment,” rather she, like many, is misinformed.
Before you set out for the ER because you have a headache, stop and asses the totality of all of your symptoms. Yes, a severe headache is one symptom, but so are sneezing, coughing, vomiting and most important of all, fever. In the absence of fever, you most likely do not have 2009 N1H1 or any other flu.
Having worked in a hospital for eight years and having read most of the books published about Level 4 pathogens (those without a cure or vaccine), while I’m no expert, I do understand how bugs like this work and I have seen my share of suspected cases arriving in the ER where people who have the slightest symptoms aren’t sick—especially with the flu—tie up resources that those who are really sick need.
If you don’t have a combination of the symptoms above, INCLUDING fever, it’s best to call or be seen by your doctor than to head to a nearby ER in a panic. In addition, it’s important to consider that once you’re admitted to an ER, the cost can be considerable, especially if the only treatment you seek is a dose of peace of mind.
Stress or worries about 2009 H1N1, can compromise your immune system, making you vulnerable to not only the flu, but a variety of other diseases, as well.
As pointed out on the prior page, the total number of cases worldwide, when compared to the total number of cases of regular flu during the flu season, makes Swine Flu cases a tiny fraction of the number of regular flu cases. While the spread of this continues, it is not a “brushfire” flu that spreads at a rapid rate infecting millions. This has been around since March.
Again, common sense (i.e. staying clear of people who sneeze or cough) and some simple precautionary measures will keep you flu free. Frequent hand washing is the best defense against a variety of pathogens, including Swine Flu. If you make it a lifestyle habit, you’re likely to find you don’t get colds, stomach viruses, etc. when others, even in your family, do.
There’s no doubt that Swine Flu is a dangerous bug, and if you have symptoms with fever you do need to be seen by healthcare providers, but it is by no means a pandemic.
That could change if the virus mutates, and shows up again a much stronger strain during the next flu season. But the governement is in the process of manufacturing 600 million doses of Swine Flu vaccine and is well stocked with such medications as Tamiflu, many of which have already probably been sent to your state.
Be cautious, but don’t panic if you get a headache with no fever.
Update for May 3, 2009
The WHO announced today that the total number of Swine Flu cases worldwide has risen to 787. In New England, the numbers of total cases have risen. They are as follows: Massachusetts has had 8 cases; and Connecticut and Rhode Island each have 1 case.
These numbers represent the toal number of cases confirmed since 2009 H1N1 first appeared. Two of the cases in Massachusetts, brothers, have recovered and are looking forward to getting back to school.
According to CNN.Com, some members of Congress agree that the bigger problem now is fear of getting Swine Flu. If you take the precautions listed in these posts, you should remain flu free. There is no need to panic.
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Comment by James T Hyde on 11 May 2009:
The consensus is that this strain of Swine Flu is a relatively benign flu (nothing like the Spanish Flu of 1918) and that it should not persist much longer, even though the number of cases worldwide continues to climb. So far, we have lost four people in the U.S. to it, a Mexican infant who passed away in Texas, a woman and two men. Of the adults, one of the men and the woman had underlying medical conditions. I’m still waiting to hear from ProMed on the details of the second man.
What has the CDC and the WHO sleepless at night is the chance–a remote chance–that a stronger strain of Swine Flu could mix with Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) and revisit us in the fall during the regular flu season. Bird Flu is not communicated person to person. Swine flu–at least this strain–is. If they do get together, it will create a real dilemma for the world. The US government has vaccines for Swine Flu (about 25% of which have been issued to the states) and will have 600 million doses come fall. But if Swine and Bird Flu combine, those vaccines won’t help much. Vaccine engineers will have to revisit the drawing board and fast.
If the worst happens, hand washing is still the best defense, but masks will need to be worn, as well.
Regardless, everyone should check with their doctor as we near the fall to see if they need flu shots. The very young, elderly and people with compromised immune systems are at risk. It’s important to check with your doctor by summer’s end to see if you need a shot.
Comment by Deadliest Killer on 23 June 2009:
Thanks james! Though swine flu is already a worldwide pandemic, we should not over react to it. As long as we keep ourselves clean, we will be safe. Just as you said, this is not the same as the most deadly killer of all time, the spanish flu of 1918.