Protection from H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
This Centers for Illness Control and Avoidance podcast discusses ways you can protect you and your family from the Swine Flu (H1N1 flu virus).
[mp3]http – //swine-flu-tips.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/swine-flu-protection-cdc-podcast.mp3[/mp3]
Podcast Release Date – 4/30/2009
Podcast Run Time – 3 – 42
Podcast Author – National Center for Health Marketing
Podcast Title – Ask Centers for Illness Control and Prevention
Protection from H1N1 (Swine Flu)
This podcast is presented by the CDC.
Welcome to Ask CDC, the weekly podcast that answers your questions. I’m your host, Susan Laird.
We’ve received a lot of questions related to the swine flu outbreak, which is really called H1N1 flu. The question we’ll answer today is what can I do to protect myself and my family from H1N1?
H1N1 infection may cause a wide range of signs, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. People with H1N1 flu can also have diarrhea and vomiting. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu in humans can vary from mild to severe. Severe illness with pneumonia or respiratory failure and even death is possible with H1N1 influenza infection.
Antiviral drugs, prescription medicines that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in the body, can treat or prevent infection in high-risk person.
Certain groups may be more likely to create a severe illness from H1N1 influenza infection, like persons with chronic medical conditions, and when a high-risk individual gets flu or is exposed to flu, antiviral drugs are often advised.
They’re also advised for some persons who have been in contact with individuals diagnosed with H1N1 influenza. Antiviral drugs may also be used to treat individuals who have been infected. These drugs may make the illness milder and make infected individuals feel better faster.
The primary way that flu viruses are thought to spread from person-to-person is in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected individuals are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of individuals nearby.
Influenza viruses may also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose, or another person’s mouth or nose, before washing their hands.
There are basic things individuals can do every day to reduce their risk for getting any infectious illness, including H1N1 influenza. Teach your children and share the information with family and friend.
o Wash your hands often with soap and water, namely after you cough or sneeze. Use an alcohol-based hand cleaner when soap and water are not available.
o Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
o Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. That is how germs spread.
o Be sure to help stop the spread of the virus. If you or your children are sick – do not go to work or send your children to school.
For up-to-date information on H1N1 influenza virus, please visit www.cdc.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO or 1-800-232-4636.
Thanks for listening. To submit your question to Ask CDC, email us at askcdc@cdc.gov.
For more Swine Flu tips and other medical information, visit www.cdc.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO, 24/7.
Information gathered Thursday, April 30, 2009