Although time has passed and the initial fear of the Swine Flu has dwindled, the death of young Evan Frustaglio in Toronto has brought back to mind the seriousness of this spreading virus. Even with vaccines being readily available across Canada, we need to protect ourselves in any way possible. This is a new spread of virus, our bodies are not immune to its effects but the vaccine itself may have adverse effects on people. According to a poll on the CP24 website, majority of people (34%) who voted chose to never get the vaccine. We may come in contact with the virus in many different forms and ways. Whether you choose to receive the immunization or not, following these simple tips may just save your life.
Thanks to Dr.Oz here are some tips about the "triangle of death" (the nose) and how to keep it clean.
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. keep healthy and safe:
1. Frequent hand-washing
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face when not necessary.
3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in
the throat/ nasal cavity to show characteristic
symptoms.Don't
underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative
method.
4. Blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*
5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (citrus fruits).
6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can.
They wash off proliferating viruses
from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive,
proliferate or do any harm.
Before receieving the vaccine, you should be informed and have a clear understanding on what the possible effects are and what to do in case of a severe reaction.
Here I have posted some of the most commonly asked questions from the Public Health Agancy of Canada
Are all cases of H1N1 Flu Virus severe?
No. The majority of Canadian cases of H1N1 Flu Virus have experienced mild illness and have recovered at home. Overall, the World Health Organization is describing this pandemic as moderate
What is an adverse event?
An adverse event is any unwanted medical reaction following immunization.
The majority of adverse events are minor reactions – like soreness at the injection site, or a slight fever – but sometimes, more serious events are reported. Serious adverse events are reactions that cause life-threatening illness, hospitalization, disability or death, like a severe allergic reaction, paralysis, or a seizure. These events are carefully investigated to determine if they are related to the vaccine directly, or if they were caused by an underlying health condition or some other reason.
Serious adverse events following immunization are rare. In any immunization campaign, from regular childhood vaccines to seasonal flu shots, the average reported rate of serious adverse events is about one case for every 100,000 doses distributed.
Careful monitoring and prompt reporting of any adverse event after immunization are an essential part of the Government of Canada's commitment to providing a safe and effective vaccine. Reporting an adverse event does not mean that the vaccine caused harm. Careful investigation is needed to determine if the events are linked or if they are coincidental.
If there is ever an indication that a vaccine, or a specific batch or lot of vaccine, is harmful to the general population, the Government of Canada has systems in place to quickly and effectively stop or alter immunization programs
What would an "adverse reaction" look like? What do I do if my child has one?
The most common unwanted effects are nausea, vomiting, pain in the stomach and headache.
People infected with the influenza virus, particularly children and adolescents may also develop seizures, confusion, delirium, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety or other abnormal behaviour early during their illness. These events may occur shortly after beginning Tamiflu or may occur when flu is not treated. These events are uncommon but may result in self-injury to the patient, sometimes fatal. You should watch for unusual behaviour and contact your doctor immediately if such behaviour develops.
Parents and health care professionals are encouraged to report serious adverse reactions to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program.
Will vaccines being developed now be effective
if the strain changes?
Vaccines are currently being developed based on the circulating strain recommended by the WHO. While the virus appears to be stable, influenza virus changes are difficult to predict. Based on theoretical considerations, it is expected that the vaccine will have at least partial effectiveness against a modified (drifted) H1N1 strain. The use of an adjuvant is expected to broaden the immune response and provide some cross protection against virus drift. The WHO laboratories around the world continue to monitor the situation. If there is a significant change in the virus, the vaccine may lose efficacy. If this is the case, the WHO would recommend that manufacturers change the composition of the vaccine.
How do I report an adverse event?
When you receive your H1N1 flu vaccine, the healthcare worker who administers it (it might be a nurse, doctor or pharmacist, depending on your province or territory) will observe you for about 15 minutes afterward. If there is any reaction, he or she will report it then.
If you experience an unexpected adverse event after you leave the immunization clinic, you should call your healthcare provider to discuss it. If you need to seek urgent medical care, your healthcare provider will ask about your recent medical history, including your immunization history.
The healthcare provider will report any potential serious adverse event to your provincial/territorial public health authority, which will share the information with PHAC. None of your personal information will be released to PHAC, only details about the reaction itself.
Provincial and territorial governments have expressed their commitment to ensuring adverse event reporting is well-timed and accurate.
How long will it take after I receive the vaccine to have immunity against the virus?
After receiving the H1N1 flu vaccine, most people will start to develop immunity within 10 days with just one dose.
Visit the Public Health Agency Of Canada Website to have all you questions answered.
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/faq_rg_h1n1-eng.php
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