Swine Flu Questions Answered

No Need To Panic, Stresses Early Show's Dr. Jennifer Ashton

(CBS)  As the number of documented swine flue cases increases, so does concern about the new form of the virus.

On The Early Show Monday, medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton answered some of the most common questions people are asking:

How is this strain different from a regular flu?

"A couple of things. There are four genetic materials comprised into one hybrid here. There's bird flu, pig flu from two different sources and the human influenza virus. So, it just makes it much more difficult to kind of pinpoint. (It's) never (been) seen before. That's one thing making it very significant."

It's been deadly in Mexico, but not as yet in the United States. Do we know why that is?

"It's unclear. First of all, there might not have been enough cases in the U.S. yet to reach that point, number one. Number two: There might be other factors at play. The health of the people who have become ill and subsequently died in Mexico might be different than the health of our patients. We're looking at it all very closely."

We know, even if we got a flu shot this year, we're not necessarily protected, and they're saying the symptoms are very similar to those of regular flu. At what point should I go to the doctor?

"They have the same symptoms. High fever, body aches, cough, runny nose. If you have those symptoms for 24 to 48 hours and you are getting worse and not better, or you have an underlying medical condition that might put you at higher risk of the complications of influenza, you should see your doctor. Otherwise, supportive care, stay home, and let time pass."

Do I need to demand that my doctor treat me for it?

"They will test for it. But you don't want to send too many people too quickly for just a regular viral syndrome to get tested, because that would overwhelm the (healthcare) system.

Is there any way to know the difference? What if I suddenly take ill? Should I immediately panic?

"Absolutely not. I mean, you really need to give this time. Most of the cases here, again, have been mild, and these viral syndromes do tend to be self-limiting. So really, do not panic at this point."

What should I be doing right now to protect my family? And is anyone in my family more susceptible?

"We don't know the answer to that. That's one of the things people are looking at. But the basic precautions apply. So, if you're exposed to someone who's sick, you want to try to stay as far away from them as possible. Hand-washing is very important because, actually, even though the particles are aerosolized and respiratory droplets, you actually expose yourself by touching your hands to your face. And, you know, the basic precautions apply.

What if I'm feeling symptoms, and go see the doctor. What does testing entail?

"What they're doing right now at your doctor's office or the emergency room, if necessary, is a nasal swab, on which they get the results back very quickly, usually within an hour. If it comes back type "A," then they know that they have the influenza strain. If they cannot get a type on it, that raises the suspicion that this might be the swine flu. It's then sent to the CDC (federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) for further testing."

This is treatable, right?

It's susceptible to Tamiflu and Relenza if given early in the course of the illness.

Should I just start taking them if I think I might have swine flu?

"That's not a good idea. These medications have some side effects. You really should not be taking them unless you've been seen by your doctor and tested positive."

Are protective surgical masks in order and, if so, for whom and when?

"Right now, the CDC is recommending that only when absolutely necessary, if you are in contact with a person who is infectious or has been diagnosed with this flu, you want to get what's called an N-95 mask. A regular surgical mask can offer some protection (but N-95 is more effective in keeping out the smallest infectious particles). This is one piece of the puzzle and we want to emphasize, masks are not recommended for the general public at this point."

Can I get swine flu from eating pork?

"No. That's the good news."

Swine Flu News Worldwide:

The name H1N1 was used to stop panic for pigs and is the official name for this type of flu. The original name, 'SWINE' was changed to H1N1. So calling it 'swine' flu is not incorrect it is just not preferred.

[belgrade1]

Why does the national media continue to get this wrong? The correct term for this is H1N1.. Why do you have pictures of a pig on your website. Talk about creating misconceptions in the media!! PLEASE PLEASE get your information correct... IT IS H1N1 NOT swine Flu... I am stumped as to why you can't get this right!!!!

[gangesdak]

Here's a question I would like answered-where is the permanent director of the CDC?? Where is the Secretary of Health and Human Services? Has ms sebalious gotten over her little tax problem?
Instead of traveling around the world slamming and da&ing our country why hasn't your messiah filled his cabinet yet? Can't be for tax problems, after all turbo tim got in. No problem, if you're a dem, can't do wrong.
Posted by janem4 at 5:45 AM : Apr 28, 2009

They are all confirmed; they are all over the TV answering questions. Like the rest of the Republoons you have been sticking your head in the sand while the world progressed.

[jan1256]

My daughter is on a crusie with the Norwegian Spirit which left New Orleans April 19th arriving at Riviera Maya, Mexico on April 21st also going to Guatemala, Belize, Curacao and Burmuda with the ship porting in Boston on May 1st...Do you think that the ship was aware of the virus and let the passagners know? and what should I do when she comes home on Friday, May 1st, because I have a heart condition and diabetes.

[Cooper2330]

Why is this flu labeled as swine flu when it is a hybrid. Would we have seen the commodity prices collapse if this were called by another name. It has also shut down exports of pork from the U.S. and Mexico to China and Russia, with no direct connection to the swine industry.

[Sukievicius]

Back in February even though I had a flu shot in October I had a horrible flu. Worse illness I had in years. I had all the symptoms of Swine flu.....I was sick for 13 days. My friends and family here in Washington state all got sick throughout March into April. None of us went to the doctor. did we have swine flu and no one tested for it?...glenn

[blynch69]

People commenting on Mexico being the cause should re visit their thoughts and instead of being critical of others bless the fact that they have more. Lets figure out how we can help them first and we'll be taken care of. Americans seem to turn on their hatred when they become fearful of others and the unknown. Sad very Sad!

[homespunlady]

Focus people - this article is on the "FLYING PIG FLU" not political name calling.

Maybe the news media treating the public like children or idiots is because of all the political obsessive-compulsive ADD people on these sites.

Now "don't worry children" go back to your playroom and ignore the REAL WORLD "doctor will fix everything" for you so you can fill your heads with fluff games instead.

[bearsfaninoh]

QUESTION. HOW DO YOU REALLY BECOME A SWINE?

ANSWER. VOTE democRAT ha ha ha lol lol stupid

President Obama said there is no need to be alarmed--the Messiah has spoken, no need to fear little ones...

[mrs_entity]

I thought this article was to be helpful in the prevention and cure of swine flu but as I read this article and there is no mention of prayer and eucharist consumption mentioned anywhere.

[HernandezUSA]

More reasons to send the troops to the Southern borders and block the smugglers and illegals from coming into the U.S and bringing more diseases into America.

And the correct answer to the question above: "QUESTION. HOW DO YOU BECOME A SWINE?" Trusting Obama and helping illegals and it doesn't matter if your a Dem or GOP member.

[antoniof123]

QUESTION. HOW DO YOU BECOME A SWINE?

ANSWER. VOTE REPUBLI'CON'
Posted by pythoncharly at 7:18 AM : Apr 27, 2009

LOL.....