With the current pandemic of swine flu many people with a chronic illness may be wondering what they need to be doing to protect themselves, or what to do if they get sick.
About viruses
Have you ever heard the phrase ‘catch a cold’? Well this common phrase is a myth, a virus is transferred from person to person (or from another animal), while a virus can be airborne; they still need to originate from a living host.
There is however some element of truth to this in that in cold temperatures your immune system will be suppressed, it may not be suppressed by much but it can be enough to give the virus a chance to take hold.
About your immune system
The immune system is really quite amazing; many armies of past and present would be envious of the defence our immune systems can mount.
Your immune system has special ‘units’ that can learn and remember past viruses, what this means is if you have had a strain of a virus before your immune system will know exactly how to defend against it in the future. This is why you do not get back the same virus you have passed on to family and friends.
For immune compromised patients, your immune system may not be able to mount such effective defences. If your immune system is lowered there isn’t going to be enough ‘units’ to fight off the virus and you could end up very sick and hospitalised in some cases.
About swine flu
Swine flu is considered a threat because it is a strain of virus that many of us have not seen before, for anyone under 50 you will have had no exposure to this strain in the past, for people over 50 you may have some immunity as this virus has been seen in the past, but the current version is much different to the previous exposure.
The message has been (in Australia) to seek medical help if you have moderate to severe symptoms. This means symptoms such as difficulty breathing, and elevated temperatures. As most people have recovered on their own from swine flu, general flu symptoms should resolve on their own.
For immune compromised patients
If you have immune problems you are considered an at risk group, you should present to a doctor early if you develop symptoms to be tested.
It is also recommended that an immune compromised patient has the flu vaccine every winter, while this will not currently protect against swine flu, it will protect against a few other threatening strains.
Other at risk groups
People with underlying conditions are considered at a higher risk for complications if they develop swine flu, unfortunately this means many of The Recovery Room readers. The level of risk depends on the type and severity of condition/s you have, respiratory and immune conditions for example are an issue.
Protecting yourself
There really is no great way to protect your self from any virus over winter. Avoiding high risk situations such as visiting people you know are sick, or visiting high risk areas are basic precautions. Eating a healthy diet and getting adequate rest will give your system the best chance to mount a good defence.
If you do get sick, it may or may not be swine flu. There is no reason to panic unless serious symptoms develop, if you are an at risk patient present to the doctor as soon as possible. Otherwise treat it as you would the regular seasonal flu, lots of rest and plenty of fluids.
