H1N1 Flu

‘We have nothing to fear but fear itself’’

The recent flu virus in Mexico is the H1N1 Virus. Swine virus is only a part of it.

Influenza is an acute respiratory infection of the body with the onset of headaches, muscle aches, fever and prostration. We are presently being alerted to an outbreak of H1N1 Flu. Swine Flu is a variant of our usual flu outbreaks that we suffer each year. The major concern is that the H1N1 Flu outbreak may represent a more potent flu virus that could become “epidemic or pandemic.”

Recently, the virus reached the Stage 5 level with human to human transmission at Stage 4. Stage 5 means pre-pandemic. The H1N1 virus has human, bird and swine genetic particles. We have developed a vaccine that can prevent or ameliorate the effects of the flu. Flu virus has the ability to mutate or change in which a vaccine may not be effective in ameliorating the symptoms. Young people tend to be afflicted with more suffering. It is not the virus but their youthful potent immune system’s reaction to H1N1. You cannot be infected with H1N1 or Swine Flu by eating pork from pigs.

The outbreak of the H1N1 Flu in Mexico appears to be at cause for the cases that have spread to several states, thus far. California’s involvement is noted in the San Diego area. Many people tend to panic when one speaks of the flu, especially since being alerted as to SARS and certainly with the possible outbreak of the “bird flu.”

Generally, the cases occurring in the United States have been the mild type. Whereas, in Mexico, there has been evidences of a potent type which on some occasions have ended in death. However, we can prepare to protect ourselves and family. Symptoms are manifested by high fever, sore throats, respiratory infection, malaise, feelings of fatigue, gastro-intestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If a member of your family gets flu-like symptoms, they should immediately be seen by their private medical doctor or hospital emergency room.

It is very important not to panic but protect one’s self by good hygiene, e.g., hand washing. When sneezing and coughing, cover one’s mouth followed by washing the hands. And, in the event one has symptoms of the flu, make sure the area in which the person is living in is made hygienic. If a family member presents with symptoms of flu that are confirmed by available medical people, one should isolate that person in the household, prevent that person from being in large crowds, school, shopping areas or social activities such as church, etc.; and make sure that one wears the proper protective mask. However health care workers who are more likely to come into contact with the virus such as in emergency rooms and doctors’ offices should have available a protective mask. Hand washing is the key.

Although the Los Angeles County Health Department is excellent in the event of a large epidemic, the health care services would probably be overwhelmed. That is why it is so important that the doctors offices in your community be knowledgeable and prepared for possible medical treatment. Therefore, the public health system should be in direct contact with the nearly 40,000 doctors in Los Angeles County, either by e-mail or by regular mail as to the safest treatment and advice they should give to their patients. The many doctors offices are relevant for the first line of defense. I also emphasize the fact that there is a need for all families to have a vital institution such as the Martin Luther King Hospital to be opened to service the people in the South Central Los Angeles community.

This is an alert for you to care for your family and your community. As stated by President Roosevelt, “We must not fear because we have nothing to fear but fear itself.”

Dr. James A. Mays maintains a private practice at 8915 So. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90005. .