Disclaimer:

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have the Flu or H1N1 Flu, please consult your doctor.

Cold and flu season for me is a stressful time of year. Since being a Lupus patient, my daily regime includes immuno-suppressants. This time of year my home is scrubbed and sterilized, and my family all go through flu shots. Hand sanitizer is found in abundance and tissues are readily available. Now, with the newest pandemic of H1N1 flu—commonly known as the Swine Flu—this time of year is probably just as stressful for everyone. One thing we all need to remember is that the best ways to prevent H1N1 flu are the same ways that we prevent the normal every day garden variety of the flu.

I am not saying that H1N1 flu is anything to take lightly, but neither is the flu. We must remember that the World Health Organization estimates that the flu claims as many as 500,000 lives annually. So, no matter what the strain of flu is going around, we all need to take precautions to guard ourselves against it.

The first line of defense against the flu is vaccination. It may be unpleasant to face the needle but recent studies have shown that the injected vaccine may be more effective than the less invasive inhaled versions. A flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic medical issues such as asthma and autoimmune diseases (Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis), the elderly (65 year+), pregnant women, and children ages 6 months to 2 years. It is also prudent to remember that the vaccine for seasonal flu does not defend against H1N1. There is a separate vaccine just for Swine Flu. And, as always, when in doubt ask your doctor.

Other steps to take in preventing the flu are simple to follow:

  1. Cover it up! Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or with your upper sleeve when you cough or sneeze. And make sure that tissue gets in the trash!
  2. Hands off! It is hard to do but try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth. That touch will spread the flu germs.
  3. Wash your hands! Proper hand washing means using soap and water, making sure you wash for at least 30 seconds before rinsing. If a sink is not available use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
  4. Stay at home! If you have flu symptoms it is best to stay at home to limit your contact with others. You should stay at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.

These steps are even more important for those with compromised immune systems—like those of us with autoimmune diseases (Lupus, RA, MS) and people with HIV/AIDS. If you have a severely compromised immune system, it may be beneficial to use antiviral medications, which are most effective when used within the first two days of illness. Antivirals are normally reserved for extreme cases, so, again, consult a doctor about this procedure. Because those with compromised immune systems are at the highest risk for complications it is best to take every possible measure to avoid illness all together.

Take responsibility for your health, this flu season. Your health is in your hands!