FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 9/10/09) Fears are growing over the H1N1 virus, but there are some very simple ways to protect yourself and your family, starting with not panicking.
Sick people have flooded hospitals, likely with H1N1. On a normal day, doctors at Le Bonheur see about 150 kids with the flu. Wednesday, 400 showed up fearing H1N1. On top of that, news that a 13-year-old died has stirred fears that may not be necessary.
"It isn't a bizarre new virus that's coming around and going school by school causing people to die," says Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Manoj Jain. "I think it's important to put that into context."
Dr. Jain says early studies show the chance of dying from H1N1 is about the same as the regular seasonal flu. 40 percent of people could get H1N1 this year, but most will recover. For some with underlying medical problems, the virus is a real concern.
People with underlying illness like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory or neurological problems may see complications if stricken with the virus. Children are a high-risk. Pregnant women are 10 times more likely to die from H1N1 than the rest of population.
So, suppose you or someone you know gets H1N1, here's how to stay safe:
- H1N1 vaccine possibly due out mid-October
- At-risk groups: children, pregnant women, people with underlying medical problems
- 40 percent of people may get H1N1 this year
(Memphis 9/10/09) Fears are growing over the H1N1 virus, but there are some very simple ways to protect yourself and your family, starting with not panicking.
Sick people have flooded hospitals, likely with H1N1. On a normal day, doctors at Le Bonheur see about 150 kids with the flu. Wednesday, 400 showed up fearing H1N1. On top of that, news that a 13-year-old died has stirred fears that may not be necessary.
"It isn't a bizarre new virus that's coming around and going school by school causing people to die," says Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Manoj Jain. "I think it's important to put that into context."
Dr. Jain says early studies show the chance of dying from H1N1 is about the same as the regular seasonal flu. 40 percent of people could get H1N1 this year, but most will recover. For some with underlying medical problems, the virus is a real concern.
People with underlying illness like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory or neurological problems may see complications if stricken with the virus. Children are a high-risk. Pregnant women are 10 times more likely to die from H1N1 than the rest of population.
So, suppose you or someone you know gets H1N1, here's how to stay safe:
- Avoid touching your face.
- Wash your hands.
- Wear a mask around sick people.
- Keep sick loved ones isolated.
