WITF is airing HealthSmart Flu: Nothing to Sneeze At this Saturday, May 2 at 3:30pm.
HealthSmart Flu: Nothing to Sneeze At
Bird Flu. Seasonal Flu. Avian Flu. Pandemic. Preparedness or paranoia?
About every 50 years, the world is exposed to a pandemic form of the flu virus - a virus which has evolved into something much more serious than seasonal influenza. Past pandemics were lethal to healthy, young people as well as the old and infirm. Explore how one of our tiniest enemies can evolve from benign germ to killer. Learn the difference between seasonal, bird and pandemic flu. Understand what you can do to protect your family from all types of flu viruses.
FEATURED GUESTS:
Dr. John Goldman, Infectious Disease Specialist, Pinnacle Health Harrisburg
Michael Huff, Director, Bureau of Community Health Systems, PA Department of Health
FEATURED INTERVIEWS:
Bruce Gellin, MD - Director of the National Vaccine Program Office, US Dept of Health and Human Services
James Campbell, MD - Center for Vaccine Development at University of Maryland School of Medicine
Lawrence Gostin, JD - Director of the Center for Law & the Public's Health, Johns Hopkins & Georgetown Universities' National dental insurer United Concordia, Highmark Blue Shield, Harrisburg Area Dental Society, Hamilton Health Center and other community organizations make up The Dauphin County Partners for a Healthy Community. They have joined forces to provide free health screenings and dental care to residents with limited or no access to health insurance.
John D. Goldman, MD, Pinnacle Health's Infectious Disease Specialist answers your questions:
Q:When should I go see my doctor?
A:You should go see your doctor if you have symptoms consistent with influenza i.e., a fever (greater than 101.5° F) a cough or sore throat and any of the following symptoms: Stomach upset, nasal congestion, muscle aches and pains and generalized fatigue. It is a good idea to call your physician first if there is a suspicion that you have the Swine Flu. He may want you to wear a mask and may not want to bring you through the regular waiting room.
Q: Do I go to the Emergency Room or my regular doctor?
A: You should go to your regular doctor, if you feel like you are sick. You should go to the Emergency Room doctor if you feel like you are very sick. For example, if you are dizzy, feel as though you may pass out, having trouble breathing or having chest pain or having trouble moving any part of your body. In general, you should call your primary care physician if you feel like you might be sick with the Swine Flu. You should only go to the Emergency Room only if you feel like you might die from the Swine Flu
Q: How will they know if it is the regular flu or Swine Flu?
A: The Emergency Room or your physician will send off a nasal swab for influenza. If it is positive for influenza it will be sent to the Department of Health. The Department of Health will do the necessary testing to determine whether it is Swine Flu or another type of influenza.
Q: Does it matter if it is Swine Flu or not? Aren't they all treated the same?
A: In fact, all influenza are treated the same. All influenza is primarily treated with supportive: Tylenol, fluids, and rest. Ant-influenza medications like Tamiflu may be given. However because the Swine Flu may be more contagious, you take precautions to infecting other people. For example, you will want to stay home from work or school for at least 7 days or until all of the symptoms have resolved whichever is longer.
Q: What is the treatment?
A: The treatment for any influenza is typically supportive care, rest, fluids, Tylenol. If you are seen in the first 24-48 hours you may be given anti-influenza medications such as Tamiflu or Relenza which shorten the duration of symptoms by about 24 hours. Patients with Swine Flu are currently resistant to the older anti-influenza medications (Amantadine and Rimantadine) and patients with severe swine influenza will likely be given either Tamiflu or Relenza.
Q: Should I worry about the amount of medication available?
A: Currently there is enough medication available in the local area. The U.S. Government has stockpiled 50 million doses of Tamiflu. If there is a pandemic, they will release this stock pile to the community. Consequently, we do not anticipate any shortages of medications.
Q: What can I do every day to keep myself healthy and Swine Flu free?
A: In order to keep yourself healthy and Swine Flu free, you should do the things that your mother always told you to do. Get enough rest, get enough fluids, don't drink too much alcohol and don't smoke. In addition, influenza is spread person to person usually by a nasal secretion or by a contaminated surface, therefore frequent hand washing during the day and trying to avoid touching your own face will make it less likely that you will get Swine Flu or any other form of influenza.
Q: If a vaccine or an inoculation is offered, should I get one?
A: Currently, the flu shot that is available does not protect against Swine Flu. It is likely that there will be a Swine Flu vaccine available in the next several months. Because of the possibility of recurrence of the Swine Flu during the next influenza season, it is likely to be a good idea to get a Swine Flu shot if it is available.
Q: How long does it take for a vaccination to become available?
A: It typically takes 3-6 months for a vaccine to be manufactured. I would anticipate that being the time frame with the Swine Flu
Q: Do antiviral masks reduce the risk of contracting the flu?
A: Anti-viral masks clearly reduce the possibility of the flu. It is not clear whether these is due to the mask preventing the virus from reaching your nose or mouth or if people who wear masks simply touch their face less frequently and are less likely to inoculate themselves.
Q: Which web sites offer the information I need to protect myself and my family from this flu?
A: The best web site is www.cdc.gov which has up to the minute information on the Swine Flu
With the help of two infectious disease specialists, Drs. Goldman and Hessen, the Institute for Good Medicine at the Pennsylvania Medical Society has dedicated a special section of its patient website www.myfamilywellness.org for the public to learn more about the swine flu and also where to find accurate information.
They have also created a podcast, available for free downloading, that includes interviews of Drs. Goldman and Hessen. It can be found at www.myfamilywellness.org.
Helpful links:
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention
BBC: Latest worldwide reports on swine flu
BBC: Questions about swine flu
NPR: Coverage from National Public Radio
Day of Free Health Screenings and Dental Care:
Saturday, May 2, 2009 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Hamilton Health Center - 1650 Walnut Street, Harrisburg. PA
All dental and health screenings will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Free Health Screenings:
Glucose/Sugar
Blood Pressure
Cholesterol
Body Mass Index
Other Health Screenings
Free Dental Services for Children and Adults:
Screenings
Cleanings
Restorative procedures
To schedule dental services, please call: 717-230-3957
