Basic hygiene is key to preventing H1N1

If you were anything like me, you didn't think that the swine flu, or H1N1, would last as long as it has. But for those of you who have been kept underground for the last couple months, the swine flu is exactly what it sounds like. It's a flu virus that is usually found in pigs. According to (www.google.com/health, its symptoms include: fever above 100.4 °F, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, muscle aches, diarrhea and vomiting.

Most people who get H1N1 will likely recover without needing medical care. Doctors, however, can prescribe antiviral drugs to treat people who become very sick with the flu or are at high risk for flu complications. If you need treatment for H1N1 flu, the CDC recommends that your doctor give you zanamivir (Relenza) or osteltamivir (Tamiflu). These drugs work best if you receive them within 2 days of becoming ill. You may get them later if you are very sick or if you have a high risk for complications. (www.google.com/health).

In spring 2009, cases of human infection with H1N1 were confirmed in Mexico and in several states in the United States. Cases in humans were also reported in other countries. It's contagious and can spread from human to human, and it occurs the same way as the seasonal flu, when an infected person coughs or sneezes in the air and another person breathes it in (www.google.com/health).Swine flu also has the potential to cause serious complications such as: pneumonia, respiratory failure and death. A vaccination used to treat swine flu in 1976 was associated with some cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a disorder that leads to nerve inflammation that causes muscle weakness.

Our campus can only help so much in the prevention of the swine flu, but there are things we can do as individuals to keep ourselves from getting sick. First, cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. I was in class yesterday, and this young man sneezed without covering his mouth and then proceeded to pick up his pen and start writing notes again while placing his other hand on the arm rest. A young lady was sitting on the opposite side of him and immediately stood up to find another place to sit in the classroom. I can't say that I blame her. Not only was that inconsiderate, but it was also nasty. Now, he could possibly contaminate the next person who sits in that chair.

Secondly, students should wash their hands. We have been taught to do this since kindergarten but some of us have gotten lazy over the years. So let me remind you. A thorough hand washing includes both soap and water. Running you hands through water doesn't constitute as washing your hands. And if you're in that much of a hurry, use hand sanitizer on a daily basis.

I was washing my hands in the restroom yesterday, and a young lady walked out of the stall and then completely out of the restroom. During this time, things like this are totally irresponsible. So be a friend to a stranger. The next time you witness something like that, politely say, "You know there's soap right over there, don't you?" It'll be beneficial to the both of you in the long run.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. And for those unfortunate people, who do get sick, please try to stay home from work or school. If one of us gets sick, then we all have the potential to become sick.

The outlook depends on the severity of the infection and the type of H1N1 influenza virus that caused it. The H1N1 flu outbreak in Mexico has resulted in 106 confirmed deaths thus far. At least 27 deaths had been reported in the U.S. Deaths have occurred in other countries as well. Officials are preparing for more.

If you are ill and have any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting or flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with a fever and a worse cough.

Everyone be responsible. Be alert. Be safe.