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Swine Flu (H1N1/09)

The 2009 Pandemic Swine Flu, A-H1N1/09, the Type A influenza virus that was first identified in the early spring of 2009 in Mexico and then spread world wide to become a true Pandemic by June 2009. Different from other current seasonal strains of H1N1, and also not the same Swine Flu from prior epidemics or outbreaks (like in 1976), it is known by many different names in different places and settings, such as: H1N1, Novel H1N1, A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)v-like virus, la grippe porcine, The Mexican Flu, la epidemia, Schweinegrippe, and SOIV (Swine Origin Influenza Virus).

1,816 Questions

Can vaccines work on viruses?

Yes, a large percentage of vaccines are for viral infections, there are not many vaccines for bacterial infections but there are a few.

The flu is caused by a virus, vaccinations against the flu work very well, for example.

What is a slogan for the prevention of Swine Flu?

The NHS in the UK used the slogan "Catch it! Kill it! Bin it!" for the swine flu.

The US has slogans, materials, and posters, etc. available at Flu.gov, see link in the related links section below. Some of the slogans you will see there are:

"Spread Fun - Not Flu"

"The Flu Ends With U"

"Don't Wait - Vaccinate"

Can sodium hypochlorite as an active ingredient in floor cleaner effective on Swine Flu bacteria?

Swine flu isn't a bacteria, its a virus, but sodium hypochlorite, a.k.a. bleach, does kill swine flu, along with all other types of influenza.

What is the purpose of nasal packing?

The most common purpose of nasal packing is to control bleeding following surgery to the septum or nasal reconstruction and to treat chronic nosebleeds. Packing is also used to provide support to the septum after surgery.

What are the possible consequences of a pandemic disease?

That it kills a lot of ppl across all borders.

Look ate the plague, the Spanish flu etc. If it hits the poor countries they will have a hard time to keep ppl alive. The production can also go down because ppl are sick.

How does throwing away a tissue after you have blown your nose prevent the spread of bacteria?

because when you throw it in the garbage can then people dont pick it up, therefore preventing the spread of bacteria.

What is TM-FLU?

ALERT JUNE 17, 2010

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announces internet pharmacy fraud selling mislabeled drug as Tamiflu generic equivalent named TM-FLU. This is a scam.

A drug called TM-FLU from the online pharmacy called TRYDRUGS PHARMACEUTICALS PVT. LTD., at M.G. Road, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, does not contain Oseltamivir, which is the active ingredient of the well known brand of antiviral medicines, Tamiflu. This pharmaceutical company is fake and they are doing fraudulent business.

The drug, TM-FLU, will not be effective for influenza. There is no FDA approved generic Tamiflu product. Worse, TM-FLU was analyzed and it does contain Cloxacillin (one of the antibiotics of the penicillin group). This can cause deadly allergic reactions in some people, and antibiotics are not effective against the viruses that cause influenza.

The following advice is given in the FDA announcement (see link):

Consumers can also be confident that the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Verified Internet Pharmacy Sites Seal, also known as VIPPS Seal, gives a seal of approval to pharmacy sites that apply and meet state licensure requirements. Legitimate pharmacies that carry the VIPPS seal are listed at [the website link below].

The FDA advises anyone possessing or encountering any of these fraudulent Tamiflu drugs not to use them and to contact the FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations by calling 800-551-3989, or by visiting the OCI website [see link].

Health care professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events that may be related to the use of these fraudulent products to the FDA's MedWatch Program by phone at 800-FDA-1088, by fax at 800-FDA-0178, or by mail at: MedWatch, HF-2, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787.

You should not use this drug. Contact the FDA as advised above, find out if they need you to hold the drug if you have it in your possession, or if you should dispose of it. If instructed to dispose, discard any remaining quantity in the proper way for your location and waste management systems.

See the links below for more information.

Is rimantadine used for Swine Flu?

No. There are only two of the four anti-viral medications currently on the market that have proven effective in treating A-H1N1/09 (Swine Flu). If caught early, oseltamivir (Tamiflu/Fluvir) and zanamivir (Relenza) are effective. Tamiflu must be taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms of the flu. The Swine Flu (09) is resistant to the other two drugs, amantadine and rimantadine.

For additional information see the related question below "How is Swine Flu treated?"

Can swine flu be transmitted through activities and water at the beach?

There is no information on this available since the new H1N1/09 has not had studies for all the situations yet. Based upon what is known about the seasonal influenza, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have drawn these conclusions about the likely low risk of transmission of Novel H1N1 in treated water recreational facilities, but no information has been released about rivers, lakes, shores, or beaches. From the CDC information updated 8/5/09 (see link to CDC web pages in the related links section below):

Can novel H1N1 flu virus be spread through water in swimming pools, spas, water parks, interactive fountains, and other treated recreational water venues?

Influenza viruses infect the human upper respiratory tract. There has never been a documented case of influenza virus infection associated with water exposure. Recreational water that has been treated at CDC recommended disinfectant levels does not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. No research has been completed on the susceptibility of novel H1N1 influenza virus to chlorine and other disinfectants used in swimming pools, spas, water parks, interactive fountains, and other treated recreational venues. However, recent studies have demonstrated that free chlorine levels recommended by CDC (1-3 parts per million [ppm or mg/L] for pools and 2-5 ppm for spas) are adequate to disinfect avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. It is likely that other influenza viruses such as novel H1N1 virus would also be similarly disinfected by chlorine.

Can novel H1N1 influenza virus be spread at recreational water venues outside of the water?

Yes, recreational water venues are no different than any other group setting. The spread of this novel H1N1 flu is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What care should a patient receive after an episiotomy?

The area of the episiotomy may be uncomfortable or even painful for several days. Several practices can relieve some of the pain. Cold packs can be applied to the perineal area to reduce swelling and discomfort. Use of the Sitz bath.

How do you make pregnancy cramping go away?

To alleviate pregnancy cramping, it's essential to stay hydrated and rest when needed. Gentle stretching exercises and prenatal yoga can help relieve tension. Applying a warm compress to the lower abdomen may also provide comfort. Always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure the cramps are not indicative of a more serious issue.

Can you travel to Cancun now during this swine flu outbreak?

The US Government Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an update to their advisory that suggested all non-essential travel to Mexico should be suspended. This is the statement they subsequently published:

May 18, 2009 CDC on travel to Mexico...

"Our main advice now is for those people who are at risk of complications from influenza because of underlying illness, pregnancy, or advanced age, that they ought to check with their health care provider before embarking on a trip...We do think it's fine for most people to travel to Mexico at this point."

How many people survived the Swine Flu by using taking the shot?

"The shot" is a vaccine for the swine flu. If you get the vaccine, then, in theory, you don't get the swine flu. If you didn't get it, then you didn't "survive" it, because "surviving" it means that you got the disease but didn't die from it. So, zero is the answer. On the other hand, the swine flu is no more deadly than the common flu, so the vast majority of the people who got the swine flu survived it.

Can you catch the flu from someone who has just gotten over the flu?

The recommendations generally applied are that if there is no longer any fever (without using medicine to reduce fever) for a full 24 hours, you should no longer be able to infect others. Use a thermometer to check for fever. To be safe...get your vaccination and continue to use good hand washing and other preventive measures.

Can you carry the flu if you get the flu shot?

No. The flu shot contains either weakened or dead virus particles that can not make you sick or contagious. They act to trigger your immune system to make the right cells to destroy that type of virus. The immune system is "tricked" into doing it, it doesn't do it because you are actually sick.

Can you die if you catch Swine Flu and have asthma?

yes you can die just from swine flu doesnt matter if you have asthsma. The longer someone waits to get medical care, the more likely they are to die or get seriously ill.

Specifically, the flu is more likely to turn to pneumonia in asthmatics.Get vaccinated for the flu. If you are over 60, get pneumovax for pneumonia as well. Be alert for signs of real serious respiratory distress , like wet-sounding wheezing, burning in your chest, any lack of mental alertness etc. Respiratory therapy will likely be needed . Keep your Doc abreast of any worsening of symptoms.

What is the earlier and latest that a baby can safely have the booster to the flu vaccine?

If you are asking at what age a child can be vaccinated for the flu, as a rule of thumb, babies under six months old are not able to be given flu vaccines because their immune systems are too immature. Those who live with and care for these unvaccinated infants should get their vaccinations to help prevent taking the flu home to the baby. They should also practice preventive measures, such as good hand hygiene covering their mouths when sneezing or coughing, etc. After that, like all of us, infants should have an annual flu vaccination. Until they are 10, they will require an initial vaccination followed by a "booster" in a month after the first one, again because their immune systems are still not able to produce antibodies as well as someone older, unless they receive these two doses.

If you are asking how early or late flu vaccines are used in the flu seasons, in the US as soon as vaccines are available in the fall (usually September or early October) is the best time to get a vaccination so you will have produced the antibodies by the time the flu is circulating in your part of the world. It usually takes adults around 2 weeks to develop the antibodies that protect them from the disease. You can still benefit from a flu vaccination any time during flu season up through February. After that, it may not help in time to prevent infection before the flu season ends, but if you are at high risk, then your physician may think it is still worthwhile at that time.

When is flu season in the western hemisphere?

In the Northern portion of the Hemisphere, it is October through March (some say through April) for the "seasonal flu".

In the Southern Hemisphere, it happens in the opposite time of year from the Northern Hemisphere. It is in the Southern Hemisphere's winter (during the US summer) from April through September.

Seasonal flu vaccinations should be obtained any time beginning in September through March to be effective for that season in the Northern Hemisphere.

There can be differences between climates in each of the hemispheres, too. For example, in the US in Texas, flu season is from November to to April, while in Iowa, flu season is from December to April.