•A/H1N1 (Swine Flu) Continues to Haunt the Back of Our Minds

Not to frighten anyone, but WSJ published a great map of the United States showing where various strains of the flu and A/H1N1 reside.  A/H1N1, originally called “Swine Flu” and then renamed to “H1N1″ is officially AH1N1 or A/H1N1 or A (H1N1).

In the fall months of 2009, there have been more outbreaks of the A/H1N1 virus.  Since flu season is usually around this time, it is going to be more difficult to determine a seasonal flu virus from the A/H1N1 virus.  So, please be sure to take care of yourselves!

For those living in New York, the NYC Department of Health has expanded its recommendation to provide the H1N1 flu vaccine to anyone aged four years and older regardless of their health status or occupation, so go get your vaccinations!  For New Yorker vaccination locations, click here.

Nationwide:

New York / New Jersey:

Region 8:  Worst A/H1N1 outbreak appeared in the fall season of 2009, in particularly in “Region 8″, which includes Connecticut, Montana, N. Dakota, S. Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.

For more elated posts:

• Fight the Flu This Holiday Season: 3 natural ways to boost immune system (11/25/09)
• Swine Flu Vaccine: NOT YET AVAILABLE (10/5/09)
• Swine Flu Veering Its Ugly Head: 3 updates (5/18/09)
• Swine Flu Sheds Light on Role of Public Health (4/30/09)
• Swine Flu Reaching Pandemic Levels: 3 things to watch out for (4/29/09)

•Swine Flu Veering Its Ugly Head: 3 updates

Updates on A/H1N1 (Swine Flu):

1. The first NYC swine flu-related death occurred Sunday night. Mitchell Wiener, 55, assistant principal at a New York City public school died in Queens Hospital after 5 days of hospitalization.  “Mr. Wiener had a history of medical problems that may have put him at greater risk, the officials said.”  Although there is a rise of the flu in different parts of New York, Dr. Frieden, NYC’s health commissioner states “‘Nothing we’ve seen so far suggests that it’s more dangerous to someone who gets it than the flu that comes every year. We should not forget that the flu that comes every year kills about 1,000 New Yorkers.’”

2. W.H.O. might raise pandemic alert level to 6 (highest level). The Japanese government has ordered closures of more than 1,000 schools and kindergartens in and near Kobe and Osaka.  Before this weekend, Japan believed it had contained the virus.  “It quarantined them and 50 other passengers, began sending medical workers to meet each flight arriving from North America to take temperatures of those on board and told visitors they would need to have their temperatures recorded daily.”  However, on Sunday, a Kobe 17-year-old who had not been overseas, was confirmed to have the virus.  “If the World Health Organization finds sustained community transmission — that is, infections between people with no connections to travel from North America — it will presumably raise its pandemic alert level to 6, because Japan is outside the W.H.O. Americas region.”

3. For constant updates, go to CDC’s Swine Flu website: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.

Other Swine Flu related posts:

• “Swine” Flu Sheds Light on Role of Public Health
• “Swine” Flu Reaching Pandemic Levels: 3 things to watch out for

•Swine Flu Reaching Pandemic Levels: 3 things to watch out for

PANIC is NOT the solution!  I’m sure everyone is at the edge of their seats (especially New Yorkers) awaiting more ghastly news regarding the imminent threat of a pandemic caused by the A/H1N1 virus, better known as the “swine” flu.  This afternoon, the W.H.O.’s director general, Margaret Chan, raised the threat level to 5 (out of 6). However, mass hysteria will do nothing.  Instead, protect yourself and be aware.

Here are 3 things to watch out for:

1.  The originator of the virus might not be Mexico. This morning, CNBC reported that one Mexican health official noted that the villages around the “epicenter” are migrant areas.  Many people travel to and from Mexico and San Diego, CA.  There is a chance that one of the first victims was infected in San Diego and spread it in Mexico after returning from a trip.

2. A weaker immune system might actually be good for you! This virus attacks the strongest.  It uses the host’s immune system to attack itself (process known as a Cytokine Storm).  This means that the stronger your immune system, the stronger the attack.

3. “Swine” flu cannot be transmitted via consumption of pork. The spread of infection is due to person-to-person contact.  Thus, practice cleanliness: wash hands frequently, avoid crowded public areas, drink lots of fluids, and get lots of rest.

Final note: Know the difference between allergy, cold, and flu-like symptoms. Unfortunately for us, right now is not only the tail end of flu season but also the beginning of allergy season.  Symptoms for allergies, cold and the flu can overlap.  Note: If you have a fever, it is definitely not allergies.  If you’ve never had the flu, let me tell you, it sucks.  Worse than any cold you’ve ever had.  Symptoms include:  fever, inability to sleep, extreme tiredness, hot and cold flashes, numbing pain all over the body, pain/discomfort when touched.  Go see a doctor if you’re having any of these symptoms!