ASKDOCTORANCA

What you need to know this winter.
People with swine flu may experience body aches, chills,
cough, fatigue, fever, headache, loss of appetite, and sore
throat.
This cold and flu season you’re probably wondering most
about the H1N1 virus and the likelihood of either becoming
exposed to it, contracting it yourself or it spreading into
a pandemic which could potentially threaten your health as
well as those around you.
 
H1N1 aka ‘swine influenza’
Also known as ‘swine flu, ’is a contagious respiratory
disease that initially only affected pigs. Generally,
strains of swine flu virus would only infect pigs; however,
influenza viruses are constantly changing their genes,
through a process called mutation. Mutation allows the virus
to ‘jump the species barrier’ and subsequently cause the
condition in humans – resulting in H1N1 flu virus (human
swine flu). Because humans have no natural protection or
immunity to this strain of the virus, they are likely to
become ill.
The H1N1 flu virus is contagious. Person-to-person
transmission is believed to occur the same way as regular
seasonal influenza. The virus enters the body through the
eyes, nose, and/or mouth. Coughing and sneezing releases the
virus into the air, where it can be inhaled by others. The
virus can also rest on hard surfaces like doorknobs, ATM
buttons, and counters. If someone touches these surfaces
with their hands and then touches their eyes, mouth, or nose
they can become infected with the virus. And contrary to
popular belief, you CANNOT get infected with the H1N1 flu
virus from eating pork products.
 
H1N1 symptoms
It is very similar to those of seasonal human influenza, so
it’s tricky to distinguish between the two. People with
swine influenza may experience body aches, chills, cough,
fatigue, fever, headache, loss of appetite, and sore throat.
Some people with H1N1 flu virus have also reported vomiting
and diarrhea.
The severity of symptoms can vary from mild to severe and
patients sometimes require hospitalization. In some cases,
severe complications such as pneumonia and respiratory
failure can cause death. Like the seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may
worsen existing chronic medical conditions.
A doctor can perform laboratory rests that help identify
the H1N1 virus. If you’ve recently travelled to an area of
the world where there is a human swine flu outbreak or you
have any flu-like symptoms, you should see your doctor and
be sure to tell the doctor where you have visited. If you
suspect H1N1, call your doctor’s office ahead of time so
they can prepare for your visit.
A vaccine is anticipated this autumn to protect humans from
H1N1 virus. In the meantime, there are antiviral medications
available to help prevent and treat H1N1 (amatadine,
oseltamivir, and zanamivir). Most people with previously
reported human ‘swine flu’ (H1N1) have been able to
recover fully without medical attention and without
antiviral medications. However, recent outbreaks indicate
that treatment with antivirals may be needed.
 
Back to basics: H1N1 flu prevention
•        Maintain a distance of one metre from people who
are sick and have symptoms of H1N1 (e.g. fever, cough)
•        Wash your hands with soap and water frequently
and thoroughly for at least 15 seconds, or use alcohol-based
sanitizers
•        Get an annual homeopathic “flu shot”. This will
ensure protection against most viruses by boosting your
immunity.
•        Practice good health habits like getting enough
sleep, eating a nutritious diet, and staying physically
active.
If you become sick, stay home from work or school. Cover
your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
or with your sleeve or hands, make sure to wash your hands
thoroughly afterwards. For more information on H1N1 flu and
cough, cold and flu prevention strategies, visit ….
 
AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION…
Add immune boosting foods, vitamins and supplements to your
daily routine – garlic, Vitamin C, zinc, and Echinacea.
Start the homeopathic flu “shot”(2 oral homeopathic
remedies taken on alternate days, under the tongue).  Call
our office-905-884-7965- for a 10min. mini consultation to
learn how to do this.