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Flu Risk Increased By
Asthma And Diabetes
By
Joan Wright |
 Norwell
- As summer winds down and we prepare for fall, our
attention eventually turns to preparing for the dreaded flu
season. This year, in addition to taking precautions against
the seasonal flu, there’s the additional buzz about the H1N1
virus, otherwise known as swine flu. While the Center for
Disease Control (CDC) does not yet know what the impact of
the H1N1 virus will have on people, it believes it has the
same properties in terms of spread as the seasonal flu.
“Early indications are that pregnancy and other previously
recognized medical conditions that increase the risk of
influenza-related complications, like asthma and diabetes,
also appear to be associated with increased risk of
complications from novel H1N1 virus infection as well,” says
the CDC.
Come October, flu clinics will be held for the seasonal flu
vaccine. As of now, there is no vaccine available to protect
against H1N1 virus. But, there are precautions everyone can
take to help prevent the spread of germs that cause
respiratory illnesses like influenza. These measures are
just good practice to adopt to protect oneself from
contagious germs any time of the year.
Mother always said “cover your nose and mouth” when sneezing
or coughing, and she of course, was absolutely right. Germs
are most often spread by unprotected sneezes, coughs, and
hand contact. So after covering your nose and mouth,
preferably with a tissue, wash your hands with soap and
water, or alcohol-based hand cleaners. The CDC suggests that
when using soap and water to wash hands, wash for 15 to 20
seconds. If using the waterless, alcohol-based gel, rub into
your hands until they are dry. Wash your hands frequently,
and every time you sneeze or cough. When using tissues,
throw them in the trash right after using them; don’t put
them down on a surface that can then become contaminated by
them or stuff them in pockets. And try to avoid touching
your eyes, nose or mouth.
While we all try to avoid close contact with sick people, we
may not know who is sick and who isn’t in a public place.
Many supermarkets now have alcohol-based wipes to use on
store carts. But it’s also wise to keep your own supply of
wipes or hand solution in your car or purse to use after
going in and out of public places.
Be prepared at home in case you do get sick by having a
supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand
rubs, tissues and other related items that can be useful to
avoid having to go out in public while you are sick and
contagious. If you feel sick, stay at home for seven (7)
days after your symptoms begin or until you have been
symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. While this
may be difficult to do, it prevents you from infecting
others and spreading the virus further.
So, how do you know it’s the “flu?” Seasonal flu and H1N1
have similar symptoms, which include fever, cough, sore
throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills
and fatigue. The CDC reports that many people with the H1N1
virus also report diarrhea and vomiting. If more severe
symptoms occur such as shortness of breath or difficulty
breathing, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden
dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, or
flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and
worse cough, emergency medical attention should be sought.
While all of this can sound rather intimidating, it’s
important to remember that prevention is the best medicine.
Use good health sense: stay well rested, eat well, and
incorporate germ prevention techniques in your everyday
life. |
About The Author
Joan Wright is Community Development Coordinator for the
Norwell Visiting Nurse Association. In addition to
co-facilitating the Norwell VNA’s support group for
caregivers of mid-stage Alzheimer’s, Joan is a member of the
Geriatric Care Management Team of Norwell VNA Works. For
more information on the Norwell VNA and all of its programs,
please call (781) 659-2342.
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