Facts, symptoms, treatment of H1N1

Crystal Brown

Sep. 8, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- In addition to seasonal flu shots, a vaccine for the H1N1 virus will be available this fall. Until then, the public needs to observe the warning sign of the virus so they know when to stay home and when it's time for a trip to the doctor.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the H1N1 virus, originally known as Swine Flu, was first detected in the United States in April and has spread worldwide much like the regular seasonal flu.

"Most people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment," states the CDC. "Illness with the new H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred."

Dr. Jessica Ramsey, pediatrician at Weatherford Children's Clinic, said the symptoms of the H1N1 virus are similar to the regular flu ­-- fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

"One difference of the H1N1 virus is some patients experience vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain," Ramsey said.

She said anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms should make a call to their primary care physician.

"There are, however, signs that need urgent medical attention," Ramsey said. " If you experience shortness of breath, persistent vomiting or inability to hold down liquids, bluish or gray skin color and chest pain, then seek emergency care."

The CDC recommends anyone with flu symptoms should stay home and avoid going out in public as much as possible, at least until 24 hours after the fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medications.

"With seasonal flu, people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to seven days after they get sick," states the CDC. "Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods."

Those considered high risk of complications from the flu include people 65 years and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women and anyone with certain chronic medical conditions.

"About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this novel H1N1 virus have had one or more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at 'high risk' of serious seasonal flu-related complications," states the CDC. "This includes pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease."

For more information and to track the H1N1 virus, visit www.cdc.gov.

One case of the H1N1 virus was reported earlier this week at Mary Martin Elementary School.

Weatherford Regional Medical Center is staffed and ready if an outbreak occurs in Parker County, but has not reported an influx in patients due to the flu.

"At this time, Weatherford Regional Medical Center has not experienced an increase of patients with flu-like symptoms in our emergency room," said Donnie Romine, CEO of WRMC. "Our hospital is prepared, though, to manage patients with flu-like symptoms in a safe and compassionate manner."

Box information:

Tips to stay healthy

n Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

n Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

n Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

n Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

n If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

n Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

n 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 could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

Look for these warning signs that need urgent medical attention

In children:

n Fast breathing or trouble breathing

n Bluish or gray skin color

n Not drinking enough fluids

n Severe or persistent vomiting

n Not waking up or not interacting

n Being so irritable the child does not want to be held

n Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults:

n Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

n Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

n Sudden dizziness

n Confusion

n Severe or persistent vomiting

n Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse cough

Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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