Advice About the H1N1 INfluenza Virus – You Need to Know

Advice About the H1N1 INfluenza Virus – You Need to Know

Tips concerning the H1N1 Influenza Virus and why you should be sure to obtain your annual Flu Shot.

I have several tips concerning the H1N1 Influenza Virus that I would like to share with you.

This is a virus that causes humans to become ill by way of the respiratory tract. It is a viral respiratory infection, which is contagious.

This virus causes the very young, very old and those who are immune-compromised (those who have a medical condition) to become seriously ill. This is why it is important for those who can – to be sure to obtain the shot annually in order to prevent the Influenza Virus.

Studies illustrate that everyone should receive the influenza vaccination starting at the age of 6 months and older. However, those who are considered high risk such as the young and old; individuals that have diseases take priority over all others. Also, it is advisable to speak with your physician regarding your eligibility to receive the vaccination.

Symptoms include but not limited to- are: sore throat, runny nose, aching muscles, aching joints, headache, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite and malaise (generally feeling sick).

Causes of Influenza Virus – the virus results from the transmission of the virus from another individual by way of: air; cough; saliva; blood; needles and mother to fetus to mention a few.

Those of you who think that the flu shot causes you to develop the flu I would like to point something out to you. That is a myth. The influenza vaccine (flu shot) does not cause you to get the flu because it does not contain a live virus.

For those of you who think that the influenza causes you to become sick, I would have to say that at times and for some individuals, depending on the route the virus were given, you may experience some symptoms.

For example, when given the influenza injection also known as the inactivated vaccine, the person will experience mild pain in the area where the injection was given.

When the influenza vaccine is administered as the live attenuated vaccine which is given nasally, the individual may experience a runny nose and nasal congestion. These are most common reactions; and small price to pay as oppose to losing a life.

According to statistics, there are over 20,000 deaths that occur annually from the flu.

NOTE: If you are allergic to eggs, you should not take this vaccine. Also, if you have had an allergic reaction to the influenza vaccine or any component of it, do not take it unless you have consulted with a physician or an allergist.

Treatment for the H1N1 Virus are prophylaxis an immunization for the high risk individuals and those who work in the healthcare arena. Antiviral medications such as Tami-flu and Relenza are used to treat the Flu. You should be sure to get plenty of bed rest and drink lots of fluids.

NOTE: The severity of the duration may be diminished when given the antiviral medication. It is important to increase your fluid intake and get plenty of rest- both helps with the recovery process. In order to alleviate pain, fever and nasal symptoms, medications may be used. However, the main point to this article is to obtain your annual Flu Shot.

Regular Flu Shots can prevent the H1N1- Influenza Infections