Since its discovery and subsequent spread, the Swine Flu (or H1N1 novel virus) has become possibly the most talked about health and wellness topic in America, and around the globe; unfortunately there is as much fiction circulating as fact when it comes to this new and unpredictable virus. A lot of the confusion surrounding Swine Flu has to do with its similarity (or lack thereof) to the seasonal flu virus, which ebbs and flows each year. As flu season continues its rapid approach, people are perhaps more apprehensive now than they have been in decades regarding the toll it may take.
One of the first and most important things to remember about Swine Flu is that it is NOT the same as the seasonal flu; this means that having had the seasonal flu in the past gives you zero immunity to Swine Flu, and that getting vaccinated against the seasonal flu does not protect you from the Swine Flu. In order to be adequately protected against Swine flu, you will need a separate vaccine. While plans are currently to begin distribution of the newly approved Swine Flu vaccine in early to mid-October, all of the kinks have yet to be completely worked out.
Among the concerns regarding the Swine Flu vaccine is whether or not a single dose will be adequate. There is still some controversy surrounding whether the majority of the population can get by with a single dose, and the FDA has recommended that young children get two in order to be properly protected. Additionally, as pregnant women have been determined to be among the groups at highest risk of death from the swine flu, the FDA has recommended that they be among the first to get the vaccine.
Another disturbing fact regarding the Swine Flu has recently come to light, and was only really discovered when autopsies were performed on those who had succumbed to the Swine Flu. In a study involving more than 70 deaths, it was determined that the type of damage inflicted upon the lungs from the Swine Flu is closer to that which is caused by the avian (or bird) flu than the seasonal flu. More specifically, it appears that the Swine Flu may contribute to a difficult to treat and often deadly lung condition known as Acute Respiratory Distress (or ARD).
However, despite widespread fears and even panic, the general consensus regarding the Swine Flu is that it is generally as mild (or even milder) than the seasonal flu. Most people who get ill from the virus will recover rapidly, and have no after-effects whatsoever. The best way to protect yourself and your family from contracting this virus (keeping in mind that total prevention is impossible) is to practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently, coughing into your shoulder rather than into your hands, utilizing sanitizer gel when soap and water are unavailable, and staying home when you are sick (to prevent infecting others).
Finally, while there have been Swine Flu related deaths around the world, the vast majority of those who have succumbed to the disease have had underlying medical conditions. Keeping yourself as healthy as possible will go a long way towards protecting you from serious illness.
