Some of us have long-term health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and asthma. We call these chronic conditions. So, even a normal flu can affect these people more. Meanwhile, you should be very careful about the flu virus that we have all heard of, the 'swine flu' or, in medical terms, the 'pH1N1'. Because the effects of this can be more severe on you than on others.
Why are people with chronic illnesses said to be at higher risk?
Simply put, if you have a long-term illness and get a fever, you may be more susceptible than someone who doesn't have any illness. This is because your immune system is already fighting that long-term illness. So it has less energy to fight off a new virus.
Remember, if someone who has been sick for a long time develops a fever, they are much more likely to develop serious complications like bronchitis or pneumonia and be hospitalized.
Not only that, but a fever can also make your other medical conditions worse. Imagine you have asthma. A fever can make your asthma worse and make breathing more difficult.
| People at higher risk of swine flu | |
|---|---|
| Asthma or other chronic lung diseases | Diabetes or kidney disease |
| Heart disease | Liver disease |
| Blood-related diseases (e.g. thalassemia) | Diseases related to the brain or nervous system |
| Obesity | People with diseases (e.g. HIV) or taking medications (e.g. cancer medications) that weaken the immune system |
Most importantly: Get the flu vaccine.
The best and most important way to protect yourself from swine flu is to get your annual flu shot . This vaccine protects you from several types of flu viruses that are common at the time, including swine flu.
Special points to remember:
- Is the shot or nasal spray better? The nasal spray vaccine is not very effective for people with chronic illnesses. So the flu shot is the best option for you.
- Ask your doctor: Talk to your doctor and ask if you need a pneumonia vaccine in addition to the flu shot. This is because the risk of developing pneumonia increases when you have a fever.
- Other people in your household should also get vaccinated: It's very important that not only you, but also your family, your caregivers, in short, everyone you spend time with, get the flu vaccine. This will prevent you from getting the disease from them.
Things to do every day to stay safe from the flu
These are simple habits that will help you avoid not only swine flu, but all flu-like illnesses.
- Wash your hands often: It is essential to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Especially before and after preparing food, before eating, after helping a sick person, after using the toilet, and after picking your nose, sneezing, or coughing.
- Keep a Hand Sanitizer: It is very useful to keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy for use when soap and water are not available.
- Stop touching your face: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth without washing your hands. These are the main ways the virus can enter the body.
- Avoid crowded places: Minimize your time in crowded places, such as buses and trains, as much as possible. Stay away from people who are coughing and sneezing.
- Maintain good health: Eat nutritious foods, drink plenty of water throughout the day, get enough sleep, and do as much simple exercise as possible. These things will strengthen your immune system.
If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
If you have had the flu vaccine and experience one or more of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately . When you talk to your doctor, don't forget to mention any chronic illnesses you have.
| Symptoms of fever that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Fever | Body pain |
| Headache | Sore throat |
| Runny nose | Vomiting and nausea |
| Diarrhea | Severe cough |
Your doctor can check if you have a fever. Antiviral medicines can help prevent the disease from getting worse if you start treatment within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Your doctor may give you a medicine called Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), Peramivir, or Zanamivir. Ask your doctor if this medicine will cause problems with other medicines you are already taking.
When do you need to go to the hospital (ETU) in an emergency?
Swine flu can sometimes become serious very quickly. You are at higher risk if you have a long-term illness. If you have any of the following dangerous symptoms , go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling of intense pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden confusion or dizziness
- Vomiting that doesn't stop
- Flu symptoms subside, then the illness worsens with a high fever and severe cough
What to do if someone in the family gets swine flu?
If someone you live with has swine flu, do these things to protect yourself.
1. Isolate the patient: Stay as far away from the patient as possible. Stop the spread of germs, give the patient a separate room and, if possible, a separate bathroom. If the patient needs to leave the room, ask them to wear a mask.
2. You should not take care of the patient:Since you have a chronic illness, it is not best for you to be the one to take care of the sick person. Use another healthy family member for that.
3. Consult your doctor: Ask your doctor if you should take antiviral drugs to prevent the spread of the disease.
Take-Home Message
- If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma, you are at higher risk of complications from any flu, including swine flu.
- The best way to protect yourself is to get a flu shot every year . Encourage your family to get vaccinated too.
- Practice good health habits, such as washing your hands with soap regularly and avoiding crowded places.
- See your doctor as soon as you develop symptoms such as fever, body aches, and cough. Getting treatment within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms can prevent the disease from getting worse.
- If you have dangerous symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or excessive vomiting, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
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