The swine flu or H1N1 virus is likely to be a serious problem this flu season according to most experts. This virus is new and most people have never been exposed to it before and as a result have no immunity. Most of those infected have been young healthy adults and children. Those over 55 years of age comprise only one to two percent of infections.

Most cases to date have not been serious illnesses and have not required hospitalization. Recovery is usually within a week or so and use of antiviral medication can cut this time.The antiviral which has been stockpiled by several governments, including the USA and Canada is Tamiflu which is effective if taken within one or two days of contracting the virus. The best way to avoid contracting H1N1 flu is to minimise the likelihood of contacting the virus by giving some thought to where you are most likely to be exposed.

The virus is spread through the air from infected people who cough or sneeze. Stay away from large public gatherings or anywhere where a lot of people are present. Shopping malls, supermarkets, large stores, public transit–even the office you work in and similar situations are obvious sources for contamination. Stay away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing and make sure that anyone who is showing possible symptoms stays home and away from your workplace. Management in all companies must insist on this and send home immediately any person with symptoms. Some people take great pride in their perfect work attendance record but this must take second place to the possibility of spreading an infection throughout the workplace.

Should we be concerned about the H1N1 flu pandemic? Yes of course we should. Should we panic if it spreads widely in our area? No of course we should not. Most cases are not serious. Although a few people have died from the infection many of them had pre-existing medical conditions which made them more susceptible to the virus. We should note that quite a number of people die every flu season from the more common strains of flu and complications therefrom. We don’t become unduly concerned about this and we should not be unduly concerned about swine flu either.

That being said we should take every precaution to avoid infection from items contaminated by carriers of the virus. Scrupulously wash or sanitise hands whenever exposure may occur. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly and carry a bottle of hand sanitiser for use when you can’t wash. Careful observation of what you touch can be very worthwhile. You may sanitise your hands before entering an eating establishment but did you use bare hands on the door handle–thousands of others did also. Did you put your hands on the counter while ordering fast food? Many others preceded you. How many people handled the money you received as change? Possibly quite a number. Is the plastic table top where you eat contaminated?–very likely. If you realise these things you can take steps to avoid infection. All it takes is careful observation and a little thought. Then apply the hand sanitiser after every possible exposure to a contaminated item.

Whether an effective vaccine will be available in sufficient quantity remains to be seen. The decision as to whether or not to be vaccinated is an individual choice. In the final analysis taking every possible precaution to avoid the virus is probably the best solution and if everyone were to do this the spread of the virus would be very much contained.

Create a video blog…instantly.