The Epidemic is Here

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The Epidemic is Here


All indicators are that the Greater Cleveland area is now fully
blanketed with the H1N1 (swine) influenza virus.

The virus is causing, in nearly all cases, a mild cold illness.
Symptoms typically include: fever, headache, stomach ache,
body achiness, runny nose, sore throat, cough, and sometimes
diarrhea.

Infections from this virus are now very, very common, nearly
every family will see someone in the family, or someone they
know come down with it.


Guidance:
1. The key thing to be sure about is not whether you have H1N1
infection.
2. The key thing to be sure about is how sick you are.
3. Mild illness is safe to have whether you have H1N1 virus, or not.
a. If you have mild H1N1 infections, Tamiflu does not work work well,
so there is no need to test or to treat.
b. If you have mild H1N1 infections, treat them like you would any cold,
with comfort measures.
4. Serious illness is present if breathing into the chest becomes a struggle,
if you get a stiff neck, if you have altered consciousness, or if you look
very ill:
a. Whenever you get seriously ill, call us or 9-1-1 immediately.
b. If you are so ill you need hospitalization, then the very weak, mild
improvements seen with Tamiflu become helpful and we will
test for H1N1 and treat it.


BOTTOM LINE:

• H1N1 is here
• Mild illness looks like, and is an achy cold
• Mild illness requires no medical intervention
• More importantly, look for serious illness:
• Serious trouble getting air in your chest
• Stiff neck
• Change in level of consciousness
• A sense that the illness is very severe
• If you think you may have serious illness
• call us right away.

Dr. Lavin

*Disclaimer*
The comments contained in this electronic source of information do not constitute and are not designed to imply that they constitute any form of individual medical advice. The information provided is purely for informational purposes only and not relevant to any person's particular medical condition or situation. If you have any medical concerns about yourself or your family please contact your physician immediately. In order to provide our patients the best uninfluenced information that science has to offer,we do not accept samples of drugs, advertising tchotchkes, money, food, or any item from outside vendors.