The Ingles Pharmacy Advantage
H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

There have been multiple cases of H1N1 influenza (referred to as "swine flu" early on) throughout the United States and internationally. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate response activities and provide resources to state and local public health departments regarding this public health issue.

Ingles Pharmacy is committed to meet increased demand for anti-viral medications. Ingles also stocks numerous basic virus prevention items including antibacterial hand soaps, latex gloves, hand sanitizer, disinfectant cleaners and other household supplies.

See the latest count of confirmed H1N1 flu (swine flu) infections at: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

What is H1N1 (Swine flu)?
H1N1 is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in April 2009 in the United States. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

Why is this new H1N1 virus sometimes called "swine flu"? This virus was originally referred to as "swine flu" because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulateds in North American pigs. At this time, there is no evidence that swine in the United States are infected with this new virus.

Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of this new virus in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flue, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus. In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Bluish or gray skin color
  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • Not waking up or not interacting
  • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
  • Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting

Prevention
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs can spread easily that way.
  • Try to avoid contact with those who are sick
  • Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

Treatment
CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses.

  • Oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu ®) is approved to both treat and prevent influenza A and B virus infection in people one year of age and older.
  • Zanamivir (brand name Relenza ®) is approved to treat influenza A and B virus infection in people 7 years and older and to prevent influenza A and B virus infection in people 5 years and older.
  • Both antiviral medications must be prescribed by a healthcare practitioner.

Warning! Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to children or teenagers who have the flu; this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye's syndrome. For more information about Reye's syndrome, visit the National Institute of Health website . Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for correct, safe use of medications

*Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu accessed June 6, 2009)