by C. Lyn Walter

Created on: November 02, 2009   Last Updated: November 03, 2009

How to prevent exposure from swine flu

Considering we are required to share our own airspace with so many others and for so many hours a day, preventing infection from the Novel H1N1 Influenza may not seem easily done. Still, there are some very basic precautions we should take to reduce the risk of becoming infected. Examining the differences between seasonal and H1N1 influenza, those at highest risk for each, and the mode of transmission, will help us to adopt a plan that will put us at less risk for infection.

H1N1 Novel Influenza, like the seasonal flu, is spread easily from person to person, child to parent, and co-worker to co-worker. All that is necessary for an exposure to occur is for there to be a source of infection, a host who may become infected and a means of transmission. Transmission is the pivotal requirement: breaking the chain of transmission prevents infection.

The difference between seasonal flu and the H1N1 begins with the timing of it's occurrence. Flu season is generally considered to begin in October, intensifying in November and December, and slowly dissipating by the end of April. The H1N1 has not followed that profile; instead we began hearing about it last spring and it continues to gain momentum.

The difference between the two viruses also seems to be that Seasonal flu generally affects the elderly, those with impaired immune systems and children. Conversely, the H1N1 appears to affect the younger population; those at risk include pregnant women, people who have impaired immune systems caused by chronic, debilitating medical conditions; those with immature immune systems, such as young children, and those who have not had prior exposure to pandemic influenza outbreaks, such as the Asian Flu in 1957, and The Hong Kong flu in 1968. For this reason those over 60 and the elderly, seem to be less at risk than the younger population.

The question is, if we have not developed some type of immunity from previous exposures, what should we do to diminish the risk for becoming infected now?

Vaccination: In spite of the confusion surrounding the H1N1 Pandemic, a vaccine has been created and has passed clinical trials. According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) it is a safe, effective vaccine. The CDC advises that taking advantage of the vaccine will substantially reduce, the risk for infection. Of note: it takes about two weeks from the time of inoculation, for the vaccine to become effective.

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