Lifelong Health: Swine Flu Threat Continues in U.S., Throughout World

Though this once-terrifying virus has long since lost its media allure, the swine flu is still causing trouble throughout the country. With each passing day, more individuals are in a panic; do they have swine flu? While the swine flu is not often fatal, any stuffy nose, sore throat, fever, headache or gastrointestinal distress raises concerns. The initial panic over swine flu was likely overblown and the risks of death overstated. However, there is still cause for concern. Worldwide, the number of proven cases now exceeds 1 million. As of July 24, a total of 43,771 cases have been diagnosed in the U.S., leading to 302 deaths. Even after the public scare died down, the World Health Organization formally declared a swine flu pandemic. So, what is so new about this virus, how concerned should we be and what should we do about it? The virus was initially thought to have started in pigs in Mexico because the first reported cases in humans were centered in that area -- an analysis of viral cultures found that it had many similarities to strains commonly found in pigs. Further studies now show that this virus is very different from that found in North American pigs, but instead has features of influenza viruses that occur in pigs, birds and humans. Although the virus is new, there is no immunity to it and (as of now) no vaccine to protect against it. This virus appears to be no different from any of the other influenza viruses. It is transmitted from human to human by coughing, sneezing and blowing the virus in small airborne droplets. Once the virus is inhaled, it multiplies in the body and leads to an infection. Clinically, the features of the illness are very similar to that of any other influenza infection. After an incubation period of one to seven days (during which time the asymptomatic person can spread the virus to all around him), the patient becomes ill, typically complaining of a severe headache, a fever often greater than 101 degrees, cough, sore throat and runny nose. Occasionally, a patient may suffer from nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that the severity of the infection can range from a mild respiratory infection to a severe illness with pneumonia, encephalitis, heart infection (myocarditis) and severe muscle pain (myopathy). Like all other influenza infections, swine flu is particularly serious in "at risk" individuals. These individuals include: infants and children less than 5 years old, those older than 65 but particularly the very old (over 85), nursing home residents and individuals with chronic illness and an impaired ability to fight infections. Here complications including pneumonia, dehydration, septicemia or viral infections of the heart and brain can prove fatal. Based on this information, the presence of any symptoms suggesting influenza should be taken very seriously, especially in those who are at high risk of developing complications. If symptoms are mild and the patient is healthy, it is adequate to stay in bed, drink plenty of liquids and take acetaminophen for headache and fever. Physicians can easily and rapidly diagnose the disease by taking a nasal swab of the patient. If present, therapy with an antiviral can decrease the severity of the symptoms and shorten the time to recovery. The two drugs commonly used are either Tamiflu or Relenza, although their effectiveness in swine flu is not proven and some evidence indicates that the virus may be resistant. The virus does not appear to be more virulent than any other influenza virus, but the lack of immunity or a vaccine raises the specter that multitudes worldwide could become infected. While deaths may be no greater than expected, the sheer number of those diagnosed raises concern that deaths could be in the millions. Because of the involvement of the WHO and global cooperation, a vaccine is on the fast track and expected to be available before the next flu season hits this winter. At-risk individuals, as well as those caring for them, should be vaccinated. Hopefully, vaccination will stave off a worldwide disaster. In this case, the old adage holds true: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Dr. David Lipschitz is the author of the book "Breaking the Rules of Aging." To find out more about Dr. David Lipschitz and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. More information is available at www.DrDavidHealth.com.
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