06/25/2009
Special Flu Precautions Advised for People With Neuromuscular Disease
As everyone knows, a new and potentially severe strain of influenza ("flu") is sweeping across the world, including the United States.
Although popularly known as "swine" (pig) flu, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other official organizations know it as "H1N1" flu. On June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that a pandemic is underway, reflecting the spread of the virus globally, not the number of cases or the severity of the illness.
H1N1 flu may affect individuals of all ages, but so far the largest number of confirmed and probable cases has occurred in those between the ages of 5 and 24. People with neuromuscular diseases, particularly if they have weak respiratory muscles, are highly susceptible to the flu and have a harder time fighting off the flu if they develop it. In addition, they are more susceptible to complications of the flu, such as secondary pneumonias.
High vulnerability to infection with an influenza virus and difficulty coping with the virus also can occur in people being treated with a drug that suppresses the immune system. Such drugs include prednisone, azathioprine, methotrexate, myocophenalate mofetil and many others commonly prescribed to treat autoimmune neuromuscular diseases.
Neurologist and neuromuscular disease specialist Dr. Valerie Cwik, MDA's medical director, advises that people with neuromuscular diseases affecting their breathing or coughing or those taking immunosuppressive drugs should take all possible precautions not to contract the H1N1 flu virus and should contact a doctor familiar with their chronic condition immediately if they suspect they have contracted it. Also, it’s always a good idea to try to stay in good general health by getting plenty of sleep, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious food.
The CDC has specific information on prevention and treatment of H1N1 influenza.
Here's some of the key information from the CDC's Web site:
Q - What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu in people?
A - The symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
Q - How does H1N1 flu spread?
A - H1N1 influenza appears to spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with the virus. People can also become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose. The virus is thought to survive on environmental surface for two to eight hours.
Q - Can I get this flu by eating or preparing pork?
A - No. The virus is not spread by food.
Q - What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
A - Wash your hands often, or use antibacterial wipes or sanitizing hand lotion.
Try not to touch surfaces that may have become contaminated with flu virus particles.
Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
Avoid crowds.
Q - How long can an infected person spread the flu to others?
A - Individuals may be contagious for up to one day prior to developing any symptoms. Once sick, people with H1N1 influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they have symptoms and possibly for up to seven days following the onset of the illness. Children, especially young children, may be contagious for longer periods than seven days.
Q - What can I do if I think I have the flu?
A - Contact your doctor.
Stay home from work or school, both to rest and to avoid spreading the virus. If your doctor so advises, take medications that can lessen the severity of the virus, such as oseltamivir or zanamivir. These are best taken within two days of the appearance of flu symptoms. They're available by prescription as pills, liquid or an inhaler.
Follow your doctor's advice about changing the dosage or discontinuing any medications you may be taking, such as immunosuppressive drugs.
Follow your doctor's advice about special respiratory interventions, such as using assisted ventilation or an assisted cough device.
For more information please visit the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov.
