Swine Flu

July 1, 2009

By Maranda Herner

The current outbreak of the swine influenza virus has been attracting worldwide attention. The growing number of reported cases and H1N1 related deaths have raised concern among the public, particularly in susceptible communities such as Native American reservations. Swine flu typically infects the upper respiratory tracts of pigs and until recently, rarely appeared in humans. Of the four subtypes of the influenza type A swine flu virus identified in pigs, the popular strand now spreading among humans is labeled H1N1 [2].

People can spread the swine virus just as they spread other flues. Respiratory droplets, typically mucus particles released into the air from coughing, sneezing or breathing, can float about six feet until they contact a susceptible person or surface. Also, others can become infected if they touch a contaminated surface and then touch their mouth, nose, or eyes. In addition to respiratory secretions, like mucus, all bodily fluids are presumed to be infectious. However, continuous hand washing with soap helps prevent contagion.

The H1N1 exhibits many of the symptoms of the typical flu: fever, soar throat, cough, body aches, chills, headache, runny nose, vomiting, fatigue, and diarrhea. Anyone displaying these symptoms should visit his or her IHS or health care provider promptly. Most providers will test for swine flu using a throat swab or tissue to collect a mucus or respiratory fluid sample.

If detected, the swine flu can be treated with ample rest and fluids. Also, some care providers will prescribe antiviral medications, such as Oseltamivir or Zanamivir, to hospitalized patients and to patients with compromised immune systems or other complications [1].

People with compromised immune systems should be particularly cautious and careful. The elderly and those suffering diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, excessive stress or other chronic ailments regularly have suppressed immune systems. When blood glucose levels rise above 160 mg/dL, white blood cells, the body’s infection-fighting immune cells, becomes less active and less effective [7]. With many of these complications common on reservations, the swine flu presents a particular threat to Native communities.

Swine flu also particularly threatens pregnant women, whose immune systems have been altered to protect both the baby and mom. Since pregnant women and children under the age of five are especially vulnerable to infection, extra precautions should be taken. If infected, pregnant women should focus on breaking the fever and drinking fluids to avoid stressing and adversely affecting the baby. Doctors may also prescribe antiviral medications to infected pregnant women. Although no serious side effects have been reported, these medications have not yet been tested on pregnant women or their babies [4]. Both sick and healthy women should highly consider breastfeeding because breast milk delivers the mom’s antibodies and other protective cells to the baby. About 80% of the cells in breast milk are macrophages, the white blood cells that eat bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders [6].

Pregnant women and certain populations, such as Native communities, should be especially cautious. However, being careful does not mean removing pork from the menu. People can still enjoy all the cooked pork, ham, and bacon they please without fear of infection [2]. Just no eating the ham sandwich that a sick friend or relative took a bite of.

The rapidly escalading swine flu outbreak in the Canadian providence, Manitoba, mandates heightened precautions among other susceptible communities. Likewise the World Health Organization just recently declared the swine flu to be a level six global pandemic and advises increased cautions, but not panic, worldwide. Of Manitoba’s 24 critical care H1N1 hospital patients, 2/3 are of aboriginal descent [5]. The disproportionately large population of aboriginals affected by H1N1 sends a warning signal to other indigenous communities. Because of the frequently suppressed immune systems, close living conditions, and less accessible medical care common among Native people living on reservations, these Native communities are particularly vulnerable to H1N1. To avoid repeating the widespread infection demonstrated in Manitoba, Native American communities must practice communicable disease prevention and universal hygiene.

Healthy Tips to Prevent Infection:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.
• Spray or wipe disinfectants, such as Lysol, on keyboards, door handles, cell phones and other commonly used objects.
  
• Be aware that flu-infected individuals are contagious from one day before through about seven days after their symptoms appeared [1].
  
• Check the H1N1 local and national activity daily.
  

To Personally Monitor H1N1 activity:

• Please visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm - statetable <http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm#statetable>
  

Updated every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, this site provides state-by-state listings of confirmed and probable cases as well as deaths. The data table currently depicts Wisconsin, Texas, and Illinois as the most infected locations and reports a total of 45 deaths nationwide [3].

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Sources:
[1] Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (May 4 2009). Interim Guidance for Clinicians on Identifying and Caring for Patients with Swine-origin Influenza A Virus Infection. Retrieved May 27 2009, from
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/identifyingpatients.htm
[2] Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (May 2 2009). Key Facts About Swine Influenza. Retrieved May 27 2009, from http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/key_facts.htm
[3] Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (June 2 2009). Novel H1N1 Flu Situation Update. Retrieved June 2 2009, from http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm#statetable
[4] Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (May 8 2009). What Pregnant Women Should Know about H1N1 Virus. Retrieved May 28 2009, from http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/pregnant.htm
[5] The Record. (June 13, 2009) The First Nations and the H1N1 flu. Retrieved June 16, 2009, from http://news.therecord.com/Opinions/article/553008
[6] US Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.) Breast Milk or Formula: Making the Right Choice for you Baby, (FDA) 98-2309. Retrieved May 28 2009, from http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/01/slides/3763s2_01_lesko/sld004.htm
[7] YourTotalHealth. (February 21 2007) Immune System and Diabetes. Retrieved May 28 2009, from http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/immune-system-diabetes.html?pageNum=3