|
Questions and answers about the new H1N1 virus (swine flu)
Q: How easy is it to catch this virus?
A: It's spreading as easily as regular winter flu, which infects
millions each year. Early estimates are that 25 percent to 30 percent
of family members are getting sick once a relative brings it home.
Q: How dangerous is it?
A: Nobody knows yet. Genetically, it doesn't share the same traits
that made the infamous 1918 pandemic so deadly, nor does it seem
as virulent as the bird flu that scientists have tracked for several
years. While Mexico reported many deaths, the virus is causing less
severe illness in the U.S. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention says most cases so far haven't needed medical attention.
Q: Could I have some immunity?
A: Since it's a never-before-seen mix of mostly pig but also human
and bird viruses, the CDC has cautioned that's unlikely. But it
is a member of the H1N1 family of flu viruses, which circulate widely.
Flu specialist John Treanor at the University of Rochester says
people born before 1957 spent their childhood repeatedly exposed
to H1 viruses. So experts are withholding final judgment on that
question.
Q: Is it treatable?
A: Yes, with the standard anti-flu drugs Tamiflu and Relenza.
They lessen symptoms if taken within 24 hours of the first symptoms.
Q: Is there a vaccine?
A: No. The government is working to develop one and the earliest
shots could roll out would be in the fall, if authorities decide
the virus remains enough of a threat to offer those shots. Manufacturers
are preparing regular flu shots for the fall, when routine influenza
strains will start circulating regardless of swine flu.
Q: Why does CDC stress hand-washing?
A: Flu viruses do spread through the air, so cover coughs and
sneezes with a tissue or by sneezing into your elbow rather than
your hand. But flu also can spread by touching your mouth or nose
with unwashed hands. The viruses can live on surfaces such as doorknobs
or handrails for a few hours, or be passed by a handshake.
Q: Do hand gels work better?
A: No, they're just an alternative, says Dr. Richard Besser, the
CDC's acting chief. He keeps a bottle in his pocket. The bigger
issue is to wash hands well enough to get rid of germs. Sing "Happy
Birthday" or "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" to know
you've scrubbed long enough, he advises.
Q: How long do I have to worry if I just
got back from Mexico?
A: The incubation period is two days to seven days, regardless
of where you were exposed.
Q: How long should I stay home if I get
the flu?
A: Certainly call your doctor about bad symptoms or if you're
at all worried, especially if you have any chronic condition, such
as asthma, that makes you more susceptible to any kind of flu. But
other than going out for medical care, stay home for seven days
or for one day after symptoms end. The CDC also says family members
should consider staying home or decreasing their contact with others
in case they're incubating the infections.
Q: Why are so many schools closing?
A: It's not clear just how much good school closings do in slowing
flu's spread. It doesn't help much if kids then gather at the mall
or a friend's house or day care. But because children spread all
kinds of viruses easily - they don't wash as well, have close contact
in crowded classes, and sometimes are contagious for a few days
longer than adults - the CDC has advised schools with cases to consider
closing for at least 14 days.
Q: Can pets get sick?
A: Besser says there's no evidence that this flu affects anyone
other than humans.
Q: Can flu spread on imported fruits and
vegetables from Mexico?
A: No. It doesn't spread through any food, including pork.
Q: Is it safe to fly? How about the subway?
A: Yes, the CDC says. Just don't travel if you're sick - stay
home.
Q: Do I need a mask in crowded areas?
A: The CDC hasn't yet recommended that anyone other than health
workers use masks.
Q: Why hasn't the U.S. closed the border
with Mexico?
A: By the time authorities detected the new virus, it already
had spread here. That makes closing the border moot, the Obama administration
says.
Q: I have a summer trip planned to a state
with lots of cases. Should I cancel?
A: Not yet, just stay tuned, Besser advises. Doctors should know
much more about this flu by then.
Q: Why did the government quit using the
name "swine flu" this past week?
A: Because of concern that people thought they might catch the
virus from pigs or pork - which is wrong. It is spread person to
person.
Q: How can I get more information?
A: On the Web, check or call CDC's 24-hour hot line, in English
or Spanish, at 1-800-CDC-INFO.http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu
|
