As the number of H1N1 virus cases continues to increase in the U.S. everyone should be diligent in ways to prevent the illness. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is concerned that the new H1N1 flu virus could result in a particularly severe 2009-2010 flu season. The H1N1 virus is now widespread and confirmed in 41 states.
“Nationwide, visits to doctors for influenza-like-illness increased over last week and this many reports of widespread activity are unprecedented during seasonal flu,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat with the CDC. “In addition, flu-related hospitalizations and deaths are increasing and are higher than expected for this time of year and are beyond the epidemic threshold.”
Most people who get the flu –either seasonal or 2009 H1N1— will have mild illness and will not necessarily need medical care or antiviral drugs, and will typically recover in less than two weeks.
For those with cancer and undergoing cancer treatment, any flu virus is of particular concern. Cancer and cancer treatments can make your immune system weak and less able to fight germs. There are several things all cancer patients should know about the new strain of H1N1.
Cancer patients are considered among those in the high-risk group and should get both the common flu and H1N1 virus vaccines, according to the CDC and the American Cancer Society. Any flu shots you've had in the past, including the swine flu vaccine used in 1976, will not protect you from this new H1N1 virus. It's a good idea for cancer patients to consult their physicians to see if additional medication is needed to prevent the flu and if the current vaccinations are recommended for them.
The CDC reports nearly all of the influenza viruses identified so far are 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These viruses remain similar to the virus chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir with rare exception.
The CDC also reported a brief shortage of 2009 H1N1 vaccine this week, and at least initially, the vaccine will be available in limited quantities reserved for high-risk groups.
The H1N1 virus spreads by person-to-person contact, much the same way that regular seasonal flu viruses spread, mainly through sneezing and coughing. However, people can also get swine flu by touching something with the virus on it and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus can live on surfaces for up to 8 hours.
People infected with H1N1 shed the virus (are contagious) and may be able to infect others from 1 day before feeling sick, to up to 7 days after they have symptoms. Young children may be contagious for a longer time.
Cancer patients or those undergoing chemotherapy may want to consider some extra precautions:
- Stay home whenever possible. Ask your support team to get groceries, walk your dog, bring work home from the office, or whatever else you can delegate.
- If you develop a fever of 100.5 F or higher, call your doctor right away (day or night) and start drinking plenty of fluids. Stay well hydrated and get a diagnosis and treatment for whatever is causing your fever.
- If you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue and then immediately trash it. No tissues handy? Turn your face into the crook of your elbow, to keep germs from flying away.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol sanitizer - this will kill most germs.
- Avoid people who have a fever, cough, or sneezing, or complain of any flu-like symptoms.
- If you feel like you are developing flu symptoms, don't wait to see if it will just go away. Call your doctor or nurse practitioner and ask for advice or an appointment.
If you are undergoing radiation treatments for breast cancer its good to note that some patients experience swallowing problems, cough, or shortness of breath. This is because radiation can affect your esophagus, throat, or lungs. Let your doctor know, if you're having these problems. This kind of cough is not a flu symptom, but if you are concerned about your cough or any other symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, or skin changes, contact your doctor.
The CDC has up-to-date information on the 2009-10 flu season, more information on high-risk groups and other safety precautions at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
Lynette Summerill, is an award-winning journalist who lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. In addition to writing about cancer-related issues, she writes a blog, Nonsmoking Nation, which follows global tobacco news and events.