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H1N1 (Swine Flu) Seminar

Author: InThePanhandle.com | Published: 10/06/2009 | 482 Views | Short URL: http://www.inthepanhandle.com/local/n/5449

Approximately 100 community and medical personnel attended the Free Community Mini-Medical School Seminar held October 6, 2009 at the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center in Martinsburg.  The topic covered H1N1 (Swine Flu).

Dr. C.H. Mitch Jacques, Dean and Associate Vice President of Health Sciences said there have been three worldwide influenza epidemics in the 20th century - 1918 (Spanish Flu), mid-1950’s (Asian Flu) and mid-1960’s (Hong Kong Flu), and he has seen more influenza at this time of year than ever before in his career.  With that being said he turned the lecture over to Dr. Diana Gaviria, Berkeley County Health Department Medical Director, and Dr. Robert Jones, Jefferson County Health Department Medical Director.

Key Facts cited from the Centers for Disease Control “CDC” (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm#d):

How does 2009 H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. 

According to Dr. Mitch Jacques, the most common place to get seasonal flu or H1N1 are grocery store carts.  An adult or child previously using the cart sneezes, then the next person to use the cart puts their hand to their mouth or nose after touching the cart contracts the flu.  Dr. Jacques recommends that everyone wipe carts with sanitizer sheets before touching the cart handle.  After the cart is returned, wipe the handle down once more then clean hands with sanitizer. 

What are the signs and symptoms of the H1N1 virus in people?
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

What segment of the population are considered “high risk”?
The CDC reported that in seasonal flu, certain people are at “high risk” of serious complications. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions.

When the 2009 H1N1 outbreak was first detected in mid-April 2009, CDC began working with states to collect, compile and analyze information regarding the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak, including the numbers of confirmed and probable cases and the ages of these people. The information analyzed by CDC supports the conclusion that 2009 H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than older people. At this time, there are few cases and few deaths reported in people older than 64 years old, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu.  However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this 2009 H1N1. These underlying conditions include asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders and pregnancy.

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
CDC warns that people infected with seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.

WARNING SIGNS FOR ADULTS include: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever or worse cough. 

WARNING SIGNS FOR CHILDREN:  Fast or trouble breathing, bluish or gray skin color, not drinking enough fluids, severe or persistent vomiting, not waking up or not interacting, irritable that child does not want to be held, flu-like symptons improve then get worse.  PRECAUTION - do not give aspirin to children or teens under 18 years of age who have flue-like symptoms. 

TARGET GROUPS to receive the vaccine: Pregnant women, people who live with or care for infants under 6 months old, people 6 months - 24 years old, people age 25-64 year old with chronic medical conditions or compromised immune systems (cancer, leukemia, etc.), healthcare and EMS personnel.

What medical vaccines are available? Nasal Spray (approved for pregnant women and ages 2-49), and Injectable Vaccine

Home recommendations while caring for someone with the flu: Don’t worry about whether or not the person is eating, drink lots of fluids, wear face mask, isolate sick person, and stay at home at least 24 hours after fever leaves.

Flu Shots are administered by the Berkeley County Health Department Monday’s from 1:00-3:30pm, and all day on Friday.  Jefferson County Health Department flu shot schedule was not available at this meeting.

The next scheduled meeting entitled “How Sweet It Is” (Diabetes and new treatment options) will be held on November 17, 2009.  For more details visit http://www.inthepanhandle.com/index.php/e/5441