How to Fight the H1N1 Virus

How to Fight the H1N1 Virus Rebecca Brayton: The H1N1 or swine flu virus has caused a major frenzy and panic in the general population mainly because those who are most affected by it seem to be quite young. Hi, I'm Rebecca Brayton and welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’re learning more about who’s at risk for H1N1 as well as how to avoid getting sick and what to do if you do fall ill. Why is the H1N1 virus causing so much concern? Dr. Pierre-P. Tellier: When it first manifested itself in Mexico it killed a lot of young people. It creates a lot of anxiety. Rebecca Brayton: How is H1N1 different than the seasonal flu? Dr. Pierre-P. Tellier: The difference is primarily that is because it’s a relatively noble virus few people have immunity to it. The other is the age group that it seems to be hitting and that’s primarily young people. Rebecca Brayton: And what are the symptoms? Dr. Pierre-P. Tellier: The same as with any other flu and so you have a fever, coughing, chest pains, shortness of breath so it’s sort of a thing that’s here as oppose to a cold which is up here which is the nasal congestion and the like. Rebecca Brayton: How does H1N1 kill? Dr. Pierre-P. Tellier: Frequently it’s not necessarily the virus that sort of causes death in people. It’s started sort of weaken the system and then and other infections take over. Rebecca Brayton: And who was most at risks? Dr. Pierre-P. Tellier: Most people who have asthma for example, cardiac problems. People who are morbidly obese. People who have other medical conditions that are taking medication that will suppress the immune system. Rebecca Brayton: What are some tips for not getting H1N1? Dr. Pierre-P. Tellier: Social distancing and washing, sneezing in either handkerchief and then washing your hands or if you don’t have handkerchief in your fold of your sleeve. Rebecca Brayton: Who should get the H1N1 vaccine? Dr. Pierre-P. Tellier: At this point obviously anybody who is part of a risk group because they are at more risk to develop complications. Rebecca Brayton: How is the illness treated in most cases? Dr. Pierre-P. Tellier: If you catch it early enough and you are a person that’s at risk developing problems you can certainly use anti-viral medication that are currently on the market. Rebecca Brayton: And if you think you are infected at which point should you seek medical care? Dr. Pierre-P. Tellier: If you're having a lot of problems of breathing, if your fever doesn’t seem to be stopping or being controlled by the use of anti fever medication, if you're having coughing that’s really deep and difficulty to bring things up. There are some gastrointestinal symptoms and if you're having lots or nausea and lots of diarrhea and potentially getting dehydrated then again you need to be assess. For most of us if you stayed at home in bed for a couple of days, drink plenty of fluids, control your temperature you’ll be fine. You’ll feel like crap but you’ll be fine. Rebecca Brayton: Well, thank you very much. Dr. Pierre-P. Tellier: You're welcome.