This figure includes family members who have to stay home to care for a sick loved one. Vaccines will be in short supply until at least December because it is a slow process to manufacture the H1N1 vaccine and there continues to be a need for seasonal flu vaccines.
The battle wages on whether or not the H1N1 vaccine is safe and who is at more risk by not taking the shot. As of mid-October, the H1N1 virus has reportedly spread to 41 states and this is considered to be an early start to flu season. Health experts warn that pneumonia is a much more common complication of the H1N1 flu than of seasonal flu because the H1N1 virus attacks the lungs harder than does the seasonal flu strain.
H1N1 Causes More Pneumonia
Pneumonia is especially dangerous for the very young, the elderly, pregnant women and anyone with a chronic disease. Signs of impending pneumonia can include difficulty breathing and a blueish-gray tinge to the skin and should be suspected if the patient relapses after feeling better for a day or two. Medical treatment should be sought immediately.
Choice and Responsibility
The choice to refuse the vaccine is an individual one, but the responsibility to not spread the disease, should that individual become ill, is an even more important factor to consider and resolve.
Unfortunately, the contagious period with H1N1 begins before symptoms become apparent. This makes it difficult to contain the spread of the virus. The vaccine can take two weeks to become effective. With this in mind and the fact that many will not take the vaccine, it is important to to take precautions.
Prevent Disease
Handwashing can be one of the most effective means of preventing the spread of cold, flu and other germs. However, statistics show that handwashing is not always adhered to. The CDC has published research that says one in three Americans don’t wash their hands after visiting the bathroom. Posters and friendly reminders can go a long way in improving these statistics and helping to prevent the spread of germs.
Staying home if the flu hits cannot be emphasized enough. Planning ahead and having supplies on hand at home can help as well. Making a trip to the market or drug store with fever, cough and a runny nose or sneezes is irresponsible. Stock the medicine chest and the pantry with staples.
Flu Treatments
Rest and fluids are the two most important aspects of care for flu symptoms. Eating is also important, but may be difficult if nausea or vomiting are present. Let the stomach rest for an hour or two and then try some broth, clear juice, a popsicle, Jello, or ice chips in small doses as tolerated.
Dairy products should be avoided or used sparingly with respiratory symptoms as they tend to increase the phlegm. They should be followed with something warm such as broth to help dissolve any residue, which can influence phlegm production.
If nausea or diarrhea is not an issue, spicing up clear soups or broth with a little red, white or black pepper as tolerated can help to open sinuses. Too much of this can cause a mild rebound effect and make the sinus seem stuffed again.
Avoid using any nasal sprays other than plain saline solution as the intense rebound effect can cause an infection. If recommended by a health care practitioner, follow the directions carefully and report problems.
Don't Rush Recovery
The flu can last for several days. Don’t try to rush recovery. Stay home and protect others by not exposing them.
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