Welcome to the H1N1 update. Students in 7th grade Life Science Classes are studying about viruses and bacteria. As part of that study they will be sharing their knowledge here as well as updating you on the spread of H1N1.
CDC Map of Spread of H1N1
October 27, '09
7th grade students have been delayed in completing their research for this site due to illness in school. They will be updating their research on the questions below over the next few weeks.
I received this email today from a friend ....some good advise from Dr. Oz:
H1N1
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. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat or bathe.)
3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine or Hydrogen Peroxide if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water, or hydrogen peroxide. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose softly 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 (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
Know the Difference between Cold and H1N1 Flu Symptoms
|
Symptom |
Cold |
H1N1 Flu |
|
Fever |
Fever is rare with a cold.
|
Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.
|
|
Coughing |
A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.
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A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
|
|
Aches |
Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.
|
Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.
|
|
Stuffy Nose |
Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.
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Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.
|
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Chills |
Chills are uncommon with a cold.
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60% of people who have the flu experience chills.
|
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Tiredness |
Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.
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Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.
|
|
Sneezing |
Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.
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Sneezing is not common with the flu.
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|
Sudden Symptoms |
Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.
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The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
|
|
Headache |
A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.
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A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
|
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Sore Throat |
Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.
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Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.
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Chest Discomfort |
Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.
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Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.
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The only way to stop the spread of the epidemic is to spread the awareness!
October 7'09:
What questions do we need to answer to understand the H1N1 virus ?
1. What does H1N1 stand for and why?
2. How was the vaccine developed for H1N1?
3. What % of people die from H1N1?
4. How can you prevent the H1N1 virus?
5. How did this virus start?
6. What areas are affected most?
7. What are the symptoms of infection with H1N1?
8. How is this different from the regular flu?
9. When did the virus first appear?
10. Which state is affected most and why?
11. When should you seek treatment?
12. How does this virus spread?
13. How long has this virus been in existence?
14. Geographically, where is the source of the virus?
15. How many schools in the US have been affected?
16. Why is it so contagious?
17. How effective are hand sanitizers?
18. What determines the length of illness?
19. Who is the oldest person with H1N1?
20 Why was the name changed to H1N1?
21. What country has the most cases?
22. Does H1N1 affect only humans?
23. When was the first case of swine flu?
24. How does swine flu get around the world?
25. Complications and side effects of H1N1?
26. How long to vaccinate all in US?
27. What is the incubation pd.?
28 How many confirmed cases?
29 What triggered the H1N1 update?
30. How many deaths globally?
31. What else besides hand sanitizers can stop the spread?
32. How do we know this is a viral infection?
33. Why is this flu seasonal...or is it?
34. What are some complications of getting H1N1 while pregnant?