Description

Swine flu, now called H1N1 influenza A, is a type of flu virus. It is a new strain of flu that has just
recently been affecting people. It is not caught from pigs or by eating pork. It is a human influenza
virus and is being spread by people. It is thought to be a combination of three different flu viruses
- swine flu, bird flu and human flu. The new strain is extremely contagious and is quickly
spreading across the globe.
H1N1 is different from other strains of influenza. This particular strain of influenza has not been
previously exposed to humans before so there are no built up immunities to it. This is what makes
it so serious. At the current time there is no preventative drug that you can take in order to avoid
getting it. That is why people who are elderly, very young or those who have compromised
immune systems must be extremely careful to avoid getting the flu.
Just how dangerous it will be remains to be seen. We are just beginning to see the start of the
cases in the United States. It is thought to have originated in Mexico but has since spread
globally. The worst cases of it seem to be in Mexico, likely because many people were unaware of
the dangers of the flu and did not seek immediate medical treatment.
It was renamed H1N1 influenza A to avoid people making a connection to pigs. This is similar in
some ways to the flu that hit the world decades ago. However it is proving to be more serious.
The outbreak is becoming serious because nobody has any immunity to this particular strain of
influenza. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 4 people who come into contact with swine flu
with contract it.
The swine flu has similar symptoms to standard seasonal flu bugs. Swine flu is characterized by a
high fever at first and extreme fatigue along with muscle aches. There are also typical cold
symptoms that accompany the swine flu including a cough and a sore throat and stuffy nose.
Some people additionally have reported nausea or vomiting and diarrhea. The severity of the
symptoms is what leads most doctors to consider a diagnosis of swine flu.
Anyone who has the symptoms should seek medical attention right away. Those who get
immediate treatment are most likely going to make a full recovery. Doctors take a nose and throat
swab sample to send to the lab for testing. The results will be returned within several days. The
treatment is a drug called Tamiflu. The doctor will prescribe Tamiflu if it is needed. Most people
will get over the swine flu within just a few days. Once you have had swine flu your body will
have an immunity from this particular strain in the future.

You have all undoubtedly heard all the recent news about swine flu-but have you thought about
what it means for the seniors in your life, your aging parents or you as a caregiver? To date,
almost all cases in the North America have been mild and the chances of contracting swine flu are
still remote. Just yesterday, President Obama released this official statement: "We are closely
monitoring the emerging cases of swine flu in the United States. This is obviously the cause for
concern and requires a heightened state of alert, but it's not a cause for alarm."
However, according to the World Health Organization, the number of confirmed cases of swine
flu worldwide increased to 236 on Thursday; this is a substantial increase from the previous day's
total of 147. Anyone with an aging parent or a senior in their life, including all certified care
managers, should be concerned about the recent swine flu pandemic and the potential risks for
seniors.
This group is at particular risk due to difficulties recovering if exposed. It is very important to
ensure that all home health aides are educated about swine flu Prevention Guidelines as prescribed
by the CDC Center for Disease Control(CDC). Obtaining relevant information from all active
caregivers, including recent travels and experienced flu symptoms, is a key component of
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