According to the Centers for Disease Control, those with certain pre-existing health conditions need to prepare specially for the swine flu and regular flu.
Those conditions include cancer, blood disorders, chronic lung disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disorders, liver disorders, neurological disorders, neuromuscular disorders, HIV, AIDS, those with weakened immune systems, those who are pregnant and those who are receiving chemotherapy.
The CDC suggests that those who have the above conditions stay away from large crowds, see the doctor when confronted with any flu symptoms, stay at least six feet away from sneezing and coughing people, have a two-week medicine supply, let those close to you know about your condition and keep medical information and contact information on you at all times.
Pregnant women have especially been featured as a target group for the swine flu in recent news. Although information on the CDC Web site says that it is unknown how pregnant women and their babies are actually affected, pregnant women tend to get sick easier and have more serious problems with the regular flu.
"These problems may include early labor or severe pneumonia. We don’t know if this virus will do the same, but it should be taken very seriously," according to the CDC Web site.
Like other people who are at risk, pregnant women should be sure to avoid those who are sneezing and coughing, wash their hands often with antibacterial soap and avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, according to the CDC.
Diabetic people need to pay close attention to their bodies when sick or when at risk for being sick as well. According to the CDC, the flu or other causes of illness can raise your blood glucose levels. Being sick can prevent people from eating well also, which is a concern to diabetic people especially.
Here is specific advice for diabetic people from the CDC Web site:
• Be sure to continue taking your diabetes pills or insulin. Don’t stop taking them even if you can’t eat. Your health care provider may even advise you to take more insulin during sickness.
• Test your blood glucose every four hours, and keep track of the results.
• Drink extra (calorie-free) liquids, and try to eat as you normally would. If you can’t, try to have soft foods and liquids containing the equivalent amount of carbohydrates that you usually consume.
• Weigh yourself every day. Losing weight without trying is a sign of high blood glucose.
• Check your temperature every morning and evening. A fever may be a sign of infection.
For people with HIV/AIDS, it has been shown that more serious complications have happened with the regular flu. Therefore, the swine flu might have a similar reaction, according to the CDC.
Those with heart disease, stroke or cardiovascular disease should be especially aware of their breathing conditions and if they change, according to the CDC.
My advice is to see your doctor if you think you have any flu symptoms and discuss the possibly of getting antiviral drugs to help your condition if you have one. Also, if you know of anyone in the above or below groups or are part of one yourself, then pay close attention to their and your health:
1) Children younger than 6 years old (and those who live with and take care of them)
2) Health care and emergency medical services personnel
3) Anyone 6 months to 24 years old
4) People 25 to 64 years old who have pre-existing health conditions that may cause a risk. Apparently those older than 64 don't have as high a risk as younger people, according to the CDC. Also, some older people may have been exposed to a prior strain of flu that could make them more immune.
Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/flugallery/2009-10/pdf/certain_medical.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/pregnant.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/groups.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm