1. Cardiac, diabetic, smokers more at risk ...!
Several risk factors for H1N1 viruses tend to emerge. "To date [July 22, 2009], in addition to known risk situations [...] whose asthma and COPD [chronic pulmonary obstructive], pregnant women and children under 5 years seem more vulnerable to the virus influenza A, "updated by a doctor of the French Society of General Medicine. As for WHO she said on July 24, 2009 that "cardio-vascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes and cancer are among the risk factors for severe forms of influenza H1N1 pandemic of 2009." Finally, smokers may be more at risk for the influenza A as cigarette smoke reduces airway defense against external aggressions, including those of the flu.
2. Overweight: greater risk of influenza A?
D of the French Society of General Medicine said"The people of obesity appear to be more sensitive to the virus influenza A H1N1,". The WHO also recalled "high prevalence of obesity has been reported early in very serious cases or deaths by clinicians in Mexico. Again explains: "A recent report has reported: from 10 ventilated patients in ICUs in Michigan (USA), 9 had a BMI ≥ 30 and 7 BMI ≥ 40 [...]. Of the 50 cases fatalities recorded in California, 30 had a BMI ≥ 30. Among them, 11 showed no known risk factors for complications. " Since then, WHO has requested that further studies be conducted to understand the role played by obesity in the severity of the flu.
3. The over 60s are not immune!
According to a study published in June 2009, severe pneumonia and deaths from H1N1 viruses observed in Mexico in April 2009 involved mainly people aged 5 to 59 years. Scientific hypothesis: the more than 60 years would be more likely to have been exposed during their life to a virus similar to H1N1 (eg flu epidemic of 1957), which would have enabled them to generate a protective antibody But ... Dr Patrick Pelloux, emergency physician, said that "the elderly are most at risk from complications of influenza A because they already suffer frequent infections of the heart, kidneys, immune problems ... what with the virus of influenza, leads to superinfection.
4. H1N1: how to recognize symptoms
"No symptoms does differentiates influenza A to influenza seasonal," said a doctor of the French Society of General Medicine. Clearly, the signs that should alert are: fever over 38 ° C and / or stiffness and / or tiredness associated with dry cough and / or respiratory and / or sore throat or runny nose . Even if it's more casual, the virus of influenza A can also cause digestive disorders (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting). "In the elderly, the symptoms are often misleading, but fever and respiratory signs are often absent," said our interlocutor. In case of doubt or symptoms persist more than 48 hours, contact your doctor.
5. Influenza A: When to consult?
"If the temperature is above 39 ° C with general symptoms like headache, body aches, extreme fatigue. If it is associated with respiratory disorders [dyspnea] basithoraciques or pain, or if it is associated with neurological signs, should go see a doctor, "said a doctor of the French Society of General Medicine. Moreover, according to the World Health must in all cases consult a doctor if the fever persists for more than three days. Beware, if you're one of those at risk of virus influenza A (over 65 years, diabetes, cardiovascular disease or lung, respiratory disorders, obesity ...) you must not hesitate to contact your doctor as soon as you experience these symptoms .
6. Should he wear a mask?
Since July 23, 2009, pharmacies issue free prescription masks of projections (called "surgical mask"). However, do not bother to run to your doctor to prescribe you one if you're not sick! Indeed, the wearing of masks is recommended only if we take care of a sick person or if one is ill and we have contacts with people, inside or outside. Do not touch when you wear it and wash your hands after having removed. And take the mask after each use.
Inspired By :
Swine Flu
Several risk factors for H1N1 viruses tend to emerge. "To date [July 22, 2009], in addition to known risk situations [...] whose asthma and COPD [chronic pulmonary obstructive], pregnant women and children under 5 years seem more vulnerable to the virus influenza A, "updated by a doctor of the French Society of General Medicine. As for WHO she said on July 24, 2009 that "cardio-vascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes and cancer are among the risk factors for severe forms of influenza H1N1 pandemic of 2009." Finally, smokers may be more at risk for the influenza A as cigarette smoke reduces airway defense against external aggressions, including those of the flu.
2. Overweight: greater risk of influenza A?
D of the French Society of General Medicine said"The people of obesity appear to be more sensitive to the virus influenza A H1N1,". The WHO also recalled "high prevalence of obesity has been reported early in very serious cases or deaths by clinicians in Mexico. Again explains: "A recent report has reported: from 10 ventilated patients in ICUs in Michigan (USA), 9 had a BMI ≥ 30 and 7 BMI ≥ 40 [...]. Of the 50 cases fatalities recorded in California, 30 had a BMI ≥ 30. Among them, 11 showed no known risk factors for complications. " Since then, WHO has requested that further studies be conducted to understand the role played by obesity in the severity of the flu.
3. The over 60s are not immune!
According to a study published in June 2009, severe pneumonia and deaths from H1N1 viruses observed in Mexico in April 2009 involved mainly people aged 5 to 59 years. Scientific hypothesis: the more than 60 years would be more likely to have been exposed during their life to a virus similar to H1N1 (eg flu epidemic of 1957), which would have enabled them to generate a protective antibody But ... Dr Patrick Pelloux, emergency physician, said that "the elderly are most at risk from complications of influenza A because they already suffer frequent infections of the heart, kidneys, immune problems ... what with the virus of influenza, leads to superinfection.
4. H1N1: how to recognize symptoms
"No symptoms does differentiates influenza A to influenza seasonal," said a doctor of the French Society of General Medicine. Clearly, the signs that should alert are: fever over 38 ° C and / or stiffness and / or tiredness associated with dry cough and / or respiratory and / or sore throat or runny nose . Even if it's more casual, the virus of influenza A can also cause digestive disorders (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting). "In the elderly, the symptoms are often misleading, but fever and respiratory signs are often absent," said our interlocutor. In case of doubt or symptoms persist more than 48 hours, contact your doctor.
5. Influenza A: When to consult?
"If the temperature is above 39 ° C with general symptoms like headache, body aches, extreme fatigue. If it is associated with respiratory disorders [dyspnea] basithoraciques or pain, or if it is associated with neurological signs, should go see a doctor, "said a doctor of the French Society of General Medicine. Moreover, according to the World Health must in all cases consult a doctor if the fever persists for more than three days. Beware, if you're one of those at risk of virus influenza A (over 65 years, diabetes, cardiovascular disease or lung, respiratory disorders, obesity ...) you must not hesitate to contact your doctor as soon as you experience these symptoms .
6. Should he wear a mask?
Since July 23, 2009, pharmacies issue free prescription masks of projections (called "surgical mask"). However, do not bother to run to your doctor to prescribe you one if you're not sick! Indeed, the wearing of masks is recommended only if we take care of a sick person or if one is ill and we have contacts with people, inside or outside. Do not touch when you wear it and wash your hands after having removed. And take the mask after each use.
Inspired By :
Swine Flu
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