With the second wave of the H1N1 virus now circulating through North America and the Swine Flu vaccine becoming available, there is a lot of information circulating which leaves people unsure of how they should deal with this virus. There are no real rules as to whether or not you should receive the vaccine, but here are some of the facts and some of the pieces of fiction explained surrounding the virus and the vaccine so that you can make an informed decision that’s right for you.

1. The swine flu shot isn’t for everyone – unfortunately, there is not enough of the H1N1 vaccine to make sure the complete population is protected, although the CDC does recommend it. Those who are in higher risks groups should receive the vaccine as soon as it’s available, including women who are pregnant, those who are around or care for babies under 6 months of age, everyone age 6 months through age 24, and anyone with pre-existing medical conditions between the ages of 25 and 64

2. The seasonal flu shot offers protection against the Swine Flu – the H1N1 virus varies from the season flu, and therefore those in the high risk groups should receive BOTH shots to ensure protection and cannot expect that one shot offers protection for both. However, do note that the risk groups for the seasonal flu shot vary from the H1N1 Virus

3. Getting the seasonal flu vaccine makes people more susceptible to H1N1 – studies have both proven and disproven this myth, so at this stage there is no firm answer

4. Seniors are most at risk for H1N1 – seniors are actually in the lower risk group for H1N1 and in the higher risk group for the seasonal flu. Seniors over the age of 65 are less likely to contract H1N1 but should speak to their doctors to determine if they should receive the shot due to existing medical conditions

Via: DailyFinance

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.

The prospect of flu season approaching is a very thought for many San Francisco seniors, and while it’s important that people of all ages take measures to protect themselves, a lot of this fear comes from a lack of understanding about the disease. Read through these 8 things that you need to know about Swine Flu, and find reassurance in the fact that you understand the ins and outs of the illness.

1. Since the H1N1 virus derives in pigs, it can come from pork – Swine Flu cannot be transmitted from eating pork, although it does often occur in those who are in contact with infected living livestock. The current outbreak, however, is coming primarily from human-to-human transmission

2. Symptoms of Swine Flu different from the seasonal flu – the symptoms of Swine Flu are very similar to the seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue

3. There is no effective treatment for Swine Flu – Tamiflu and Relenza are medications that have been used to effectively treat H1N1

4. There aren’t enough flu drugs to treat the pandemic – the federal government has in fact stockpiled enough flu drugs to treat 50 million Americans with Swine Flu, and some states actually have additional stock

5. The 1970’s Swine Flu shot offers protection today – as diseases adapt and change, it becomes more unlikely that a previous vaccination will offer prevention for the H1N1 virus of today

6. Flu drugs can prevent the Swine Flu – it’s not recommended that the flu drugs used to treat the swine flu are taken for prevention. There is however, a vaccine under development

7. Seniors are most at risk – healthy seniors actually are not believed to be the demographic most at risk for the Swine Flu. The vaccine that will be available will first be offered to individuals aged 25 to 65 as they are most at risk

8. The spread of Swine Flu can’t be stopped – it’s not yet known how contagious Swine Flu is, however, like any illness, the spread of it can be prevented through frequent hand washing, covering mouths when coughing and disinfecting surfaces that might carry germs

Via: Loyola Medicine

Image: jazdb2b.wordpress.com

Home Care San Francisco Bay Area serving seniors in San Bruno, San Mateo, Walnut Creek and Concord. Call us at 415-333-3944 or 650-877-8009.