Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Recommendations for people with disabilities about the H1N1 virus Focus on protecting those at highest risk
Author: Dr. Vasileios Vigklis
6 September 2009 - Issue : 850
In April, the novel influenza A/H1N1 virus (2009-H1N1) then called the Swine Flu, appeared in Mexico, causing pneumonia and 59 deaths in Mexico City alone. This was a new virus that had never before circulated among humans. The virus is spread from person-to-person. It is transmitted as easily as the normal seasonal flu and can be passed to other people by exposure to infected droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing that can be inhaled, or that can contaminate hands or surfaces.
Although initial concerns of an extremely high fatality rate have receded, the expected resurgence of 2009-H1N1 in the autumn poses a serious health threat. Further, although most cases are mild, serious complications arise in some individuals, especially those with certain pre-existing conditions, such as:
* Chronic pulmonary (including asthma,) cardiovascular (except hypertension,) renal, hepatic, hematological (including sickle cell disease,) neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)
* Immunosuppression, including that caused by medications (e.g.such medications are often prescribed to people with rheumatic conditions and other systemic illnesses) or by HIV
* Pregnant women
* Persons younger than 19 years old who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
* Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities. (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/)
People with such health conditions should follow all directions given by public health officials to avoid contracting the H1N1 virus. In addition to avoiding contact with people who may have flu-like symptoms, frequent hand washing, and covering ones mouth and nose when sneezing, the following extra measures should be taken:
Prepare to stay at home for an extended period of time while people who are contagious from the virus may be in public places. Such preparation requires stocking plenty of non-perishable food, as well as fruits, vegetables and dairy products which can be refrigerated or which will stay fresh for a few days. Prescriptions should be refilled, if they can be, and any other medical supplies should be stocked in sufficient quantities until the end of the year. This will minimize the need for most patients to visit their clinics during the likely flu period (October till December.) It will also ensure that if services are disrupted, including if clinics are forced to close for short periods, that patients have sufficient meds to last until they are resumed again.
All patients are advised to keep at least two months supply of medicines in case of this potential disruption, and they should be able to arrange the stock supply of their prescription in advance. This is to ensure that no patient needs to interrupt treatment due to these possible problems. We should underline those actions concerning this new threat need to be based on fact and science, following recommendations of public health officials, and not fueled by political, legal or other interests.
(Dr. Vasileios Vigklis is an infectious diseases specialist and Chairman and Chief Executive of Sismanoglio General Hospital, Athens , Greece)
http://www.neurope.eu/articles/95932.php
Author: Dr. Vasileios Vigklis
6 September 2009 - Issue : 850
In April, the novel influenza A/H1N1 virus (2009-H1N1) then called the Swine Flu, appeared in Mexico, causing pneumonia and 59 deaths in Mexico City alone. This was a new virus that had never before circulated among humans. The virus is spread from person-to-person. It is transmitted as easily as the normal seasonal flu and can be passed to other people by exposure to infected droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing that can be inhaled, or that can contaminate hands or surfaces.
Although initial concerns of an extremely high fatality rate have receded, the expected resurgence of 2009-H1N1 in the autumn poses a serious health threat. Further, although most cases are mild, serious complications arise in some individuals, especially those with certain pre-existing conditions, such as:
* Chronic pulmonary (including asthma,) cardiovascular (except hypertension,) renal, hepatic, hematological (including sickle cell disease,) neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)
* Immunosuppression, including that caused by medications (e.g.such medications are often prescribed to people with rheumatic conditions and other systemic illnesses) or by HIV
* Pregnant women
* Persons younger than 19 years old who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
* Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities. (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/)
People with such health conditions should follow all directions given by public health officials to avoid contracting the H1N1 virus. In addition to avoiding contact with people who may have flu-like symptoms, frequent hand washing, and covering ones mouth and nose when sneezing, the following extra measures should be taken:
Prepare to stay at home for an extended period of time while people who are contagious from the virus may be in public places. Such preparation requires stocking plenty of non-perishable food, as well as fruits, vegetables and dairy products which can be refrigerated or which will stay fresh for a few days. Prescriptions should be refilled, if they can be, and any other medical supplies should be stocked in sufficient quantities until the end of the year. This will minimize the need for most patients to visit their clinics during the likely flu period (October till December.) It will also ensure that if services are disrupted, including if clinics are forced to close for short periods, that patients have sufficient meds to last until they are resumed again.
All patients are advised to keep at least two months supply of medicines in case of this potential disruption, and they should be able to arrange the stock supply of their prescription in advance. This is to ensure that no patient needs to interrupt treatment due to these possible problems. We should underline those actions concerning this new threat need to be based on fact and science, following recommendations of public health officials, and not fueled by political, legal or other interests.
(Dr. Vasileios Vigklis is an infectious diseases specialist and Chairman and Chief Executive of Sismanoglio General Hospital, Athens , Greece)
http://www.neurope.eu/articles/95932.php
