PopSugar

Do You Plan on Getting Vaccinated Against Swine Flu?

FitSugar — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:00:11 -0700

This past Spring, the swine flu scare broke out, and, although it seems to have lost momentum, many folks are still nervous about getting the H1N1 virus. Children, healthcare workers, those who work closely with kids, and pregnant women are the ones who are most at risk, but anyone can develop swine flu. With colder weather on its way and flu season soon to follow, I'm wondering . . .

How to Avoid Catching the Swine Flu

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:00:00 -0700

We're pretty familiar with how to prevent catching a regular cold or the flu, but the swine flu seems like a whole new ball of wax (or phlegm, in this case). Since swine flu seems to be spreading quickly, you want to do whatever you can to keep from catching the H1N1 virus. Here are some precautions you can take.

Wash your hands often with soap and hot water (don't just rinse with water). Lather up for at least 20 seconds, or long enough to sing your ABC's.
Avoid touching common things that others come in contact with such as doorknobs, railings, handles on the subway, elevator buttons, magazines in the doctor's office, public phones, pens at the bank, etc. If you can't help it, refrain from touching your nose, mouth, or eyes until you can get to a bathroom to wash your hands.
When you're at the gym, disinfect all equipment before you use it in case the person before you forgot. Bring your own towel, use your own yoga mat, and wash your hands before leaving the gym.

To see how else you can protect yourself, read more.

Keep hand sanitizers in your purse, car, and at work so you can kill germs when you can't get to a sink.
If swine flu cases have turned up in your area, consider avoiding public places. Those infected with swine flu can be contagious before showing symptoms.
If you're really paranoid, wearing a high quality respiratory mask can offer some protection.
Get plenty of rest, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. All these things will strengthen your immune system.
Children, the elderly, pregnant women, those who work with children, and those who work in the medical field are at a higher risk for catching swine flu. So if you're in this group, think about getting vaccinated against the swine flu.
If you start feeling flu-like symptoms such as a sore throat, stuffy nose, chills, or body aches, don't go to work. Stay at home and get better. If your symptoms worsen, call your doctor. If you test positive for swine flu, they can prescribe Tamiflu.

Have You Had Luck Getting a Swine Flu Shot?

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:00:12 -0800

I don't have to read about the shortage of swine flu vaccine, I'm living it. Everywhere I go to get vaccinated it's the same - there are not enough shots to go around. Supplies are extremely limited, and a recent poll conducted by Harvard University School of Public Health says that 70 percent of adults and 66 percent of children who tried to get vaccinated couldn’t.

On Friday the National Center For Immunization and Respiratory Diseases said that the high demand is outweighing the supply, but that more doses would be available in the coming weeks. I've heard this every week and no matter where I go, I leave without getting a shot. I'm starting to get frustrated but I want to protect myself.

Have any of you had better luck than I have?

Swine Flu Update

FitSugar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:20:00 -0700

On Sunday afternoon, Janet Napolitano declared a public health emergency due to the swine flu. While the declaration might seem extreme, it allows preparations to begin so the country will be ready if there is indeed a full-fledged outbreak or pandemic. In a speech on Monday, President Obama tried to allay growing fears by saying, “This is, obviously, a cause for concern and requires a heightened state of alert. But it’s not a cause for alarm.”

Here are a few more details about the virus, and how it is spreading.

This swine flu virus has killed up to 149 people in Mexico. What makes this new strain of the virus particularly worrisome is that it is killing healthy young adults, which is atypical in influenza outbreaks. Mexican authorities have urged people to wear surgical masks in public.

To see the number of cases in the states and if you should travel to Mexico, read more.

According to the CDC, there 64 lab confirmed cases in the US. Here's the rundown by state: California - 10, Kansas - 2, New York - 45, Ohio - 1, Texas - 6. So far, there are no deaths from swine flu in the US.

On the international front, the World Health Organization has reported cases in Spain, Great Britain, New Zealand, Israel, Canada, and France. The WHO has also raised their state of pandemic alert to level 4.

Have tickets to Mexico? The US State Department has issued a "travel alert" advising people to avoid all "nonessential" travel to Mexico for the next three months.

The WHO also stated that there is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. But they do advise people to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis.

Now, check out what Jon Stewart has to say about the media fever around swine flu.

Update: As of Friday, 5/1, there are 141 cases reported in the US with one death. The WHO is reporting 11 countries have confirmed cases of swine flu and they have raised their alert to level 5.

Source

Game Over: Beer Pong Spreading Swine Flu

TresSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:00:00 -0700

Frat boys have been called pigs before, but now they might be responsible for spreading swine flu. College partiers are being warned that they can catch H1N1 from beer pong.

Administrators from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute released this statement after a student contracted swine flu from the classic drinking game:

"While it might seem fun over the weekend, it will not be enjoyable when you and your friends are sick and missing class or midterm examinations."

Wait. Doesn't missing midterms sound more enjoyable than taking them?

I've always been wary of beer pong's potential health risks, so here's one more excuse to stay away from beer cups with dirty ping pong balls floating in them. Cheers!

Source: Flickr User wolfsavard

Symptoms: Cold vs. Flu vs. Swine Flu

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:50:37 -0700

From my corner of the world, it feels like the flu season is striking early this year. The swine flu never really went away and other viruses are lurking out there too. When you start feeling symptomatic, you want to know what you dealing with: a common cold, the flu, or the swine flu. To help read your symptoms, I have made a chart comparing these three common illnesses. Check it out when you read more.

Symptom	Cold	Flu	Swine Flu
Stuffy nose	Common	Sometimes	Common
Sore throat	Common	Sometimes	Common
Sneezing	Common	Uncommon	Uncommon
Cough	Mild to moderate, hacking, productive	Common and unproductive, painful chest	Common
Headaches	Occasionally	Common, often severe	Common
Body aches	Slight	Common, often severe	Common
Fever	Rare	Common, lasting 3 to 4 days	Common, but sometimes absent
Fatigue	Mild	Common, can be severe	Common, can be severe
Chills	Uncommon	Fairly common	Common
Vomiting	No	No	Common
Diarrhea	No	No	Common
Time frame of symptoms	Gradually appear	Come on suddenly (3 to 6 hours)	Come on rapidly

To clarify, influenza, aka the flu, is a respiratory illness. People often mistakenly call gastroentritis - "irritated and inflamed stomach and intestines" caused by bacteria, virus, or other irritant - the stomach flu. Common symptoms of gastroenteritis are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Will Your Tot Be Attending a Swine Flu Party?

LilSugar — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 06:00:48 -0700

Is swine flu the gift that keeps on giving? While at the park the other day, I overheard a few moms chatting about the recent announcement that the FDA approved the swine flu vaccine. The mamas were debating whether or not they were going to be vaccinating their children and one woman shocked me with an unusual way that she was planning on keeping her lil one protected.

To find out her idea, just read more.

She proudly announced that she wants her child to get the swine flu and that she would take him to an H1N1 party if she could find one. I heard of such parties back when the swine flu hit mainstream media, but I didn't think anyone would actually consider attending one. And in case you missed it, an H1N1 party is where folks seek out the milder version of the H1N1 virus by coming into contact with someone who has the 2009 version of the flu. People are fearing the potentially mutated and more deadly strain of the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends against attending or holding such parties as it's impossible to tell how the flu will affect each person, especially children. Furthermore, if someone has the virus they are urged to limit contact with other people.

I'm going to stick to teaching my tots about good hygiene and handwashing, but what do you think? Are H1N1 parties a good idea?

Is Your Swine Flu Fear Growing?

FitSugar — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 03:00:41 -0700

All Summer long, swine flu has made it into the headlines on a weekly, if not a daily, basis. This flu was quickly declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, not because of the number of deaths due to this strain of the virus, but because it spread worldwide with speed.

A blogger over at Newsweek wants to add a little perspective to the media coverage of H1N1. Here is some history: In 1967, the last pandemic, caused by the Hong Kong flu, killed 700,000 people. For comparison, in the US so far 447 have died from the swine flu. This round of swine flu virus is similar to a typical flu season, but even a typical flu season comes with fatalities. However, most flu deaths occur because of complications, mostly pneumonia, or due to an underlying chronic condition - diabetes being one.

See how seasonal flu deaths compare to heart disease when you read more.

Another comparison from Newsweek: seasonal flu is responsible for one in 5000 deaths, while heart disease is responsible for one in 50 deaths per year. But you don't contract heart disease on the subway, which increases the fear factor that accompanies H1N1. That and the fact that this flu targets younger, healthier people.

As schools consider plans for closure should the need arise, and as flu vaccines are manufactured, I think we best approach the season with clear heads and clean hands. Hand washing is still considered the best defense against the flu. I say stock up on hand sanitizer now to avoid the rush when flu season hits. Is your fear level about swine flu growing?

Is Your School Implementing Any Precautionary Flu Measures?

babysugar — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:00:00 -0700

Just as the swine flu was making headlines and putting fear into the hearts of parents around the world, the 2008 school year came to an end. Moms and dads rested easy for a few months as their wee ones avoided classmates sneezing and coughing throughout the day. But class is back in session and the germs are still afloat. Prepared for the worst, many schools are outlining swine flu policies and recommending their students receive the special vaccine. Does your child's school have a swine flu plan in place?

When Pigs Fly: Airline Travel and Swine Flu

FitSugar — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:00:32 -0700

With schools across the nation back in session, from universities to the elementary grades, swine flu cases are on the rise. This H1N1 virus spreads more quickly among children, teens, and young adults, but reported cases have been mild.

However, this uptick in cases indicates that flu season is coming early, and back-to-school season also means travel season for the business class. If you're flying soon, should you be worried about catching the flu? Read more to find out.