After reading this article, you'll have an opportunity to share about what scares you most about catching the swine flu.
The swine flu -- officially known as the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) -- continues to be a major health concern across the globe, and one that people with chronic illnesses should be particularly aware of. Why?
One of the most dangerous complications from an infection like the swine flu is pneumonia. People with COPD and other chronic illnesses that weaken the immune system are at greater risk for contracting swine flu AND subsequent secondary infections, like bacterial pneumonia, which, as we will see in the following paragraph, can be fatal.
A report released by the CDC indicated that bacterial pneumonia was was present in 22 out of 77 (29%) swine flu patients during a post-mortem examination of their lungs. Of these, 15 out of 22 of these deaths could have possibly been prevented by the pneumonia vaccine (PPV).
So, what can COPD patients and people with other chronic illnesses do to protect themselves against bacterial pneumonia? Those at risk are strongly encouraged to get a pneumonia vaccine.
Who Should Get PPV?
PPV can help protect you against 23 variants of Streptococcal pneumoniae bacteria. The following identifies which groups should get the vaccine:
- Adults 65 years or older.
- Anyone over 2 years old who has a chronic illness such as heart or lung disease, diabetes, alcoholism or cirrhosis.
- Anyone over 2 years old who has a disease that may lower their body's defense to infection, such as Hodgkin's disease, lymphoma, leukemia, kidney failure, HIV, AIDS, multiple myeloma, nephrotic syndrome, damaged or no spleen or organ transplant.
- Anyone over 2 years old who is taking a drug or treatment which can lower their defense against infection, such as long-term steroids, cancer drugs, or radiation.
- Alaskan Natives and some Native American groups.
Don't Forget the Basics
Of course, when it comes to swine flu and any other type of virus, don't forget the following basic precautions:
- Practice good hand hygiene which includes handwashing with soap and water and using an alcohol based hand-sanitizer in between washings. Learn more about handwashing and how often you should wash your hands.
- Avoid close contact with sick people by staying away from congested crowds or from anyone who is sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze with a tissue. Throw the tissue away promptly and then wash or sanitize your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as germs are easily transmitted through mucus membranes.
- Stay home from work or school if you get sick. This helps to keep the virus from spreading to others.
To learn more about bacterial pnuemonia, visit Bacterial Pneumonia and COPD
For up-to-date information about swine flu from the CDC visit Swine Flu Facts or Swine Flu Vaccination Information
There are numerous Guides, (including myself) across About.com's Health Channel who have produced some excellent articles about swine flu. Here is a partial list:
Swine Flu and COPD: Are You At Risk?
Swine (H1N1) Flu Officially a Pandemic
Is the H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine Safe?
