Among the many qualities of an effective leader is the ability to anticipate crises and determine how best to handle them. Granted, some crises are unexpected, but many can be foreseen. For example, take the H1N1 virus. This flu virus emerged last spring and is known as swine flu because it shares qualities with a flu virus commonly seen in pigs. The virus has rapidly spread worldwide, prompting the World Health Organization to officially declare the outbreak a pandemic.

More than 1 million cases have been diagnosed in the United States; most of them relatively mild. But the beginning of a new school year had health officials bracing for a significant uptick in disease. Colleges reported thousands of cases of the virus. Here are five things you and your family need to know about swine flu.

1. What’s the best way to avoid becoming infected with H1N1?
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If none is available, use hand sanitizer. Avoid people who are sick. Keep your hands away from your nose, eyes, and mouth. Cough into your sleeve. Eat a healthy diet, exercise, and get adequate sleep to keep your immune system operating at its best. 2. Should I wear a face mask?
The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends that you consider doing so if you have the flu and will come into close contact with other people.

3. Should I get the H1N1 vaccine?
Yes, especially if you are a member of one of the priority groups: pregnant women; household contacts and caregivers of children younger than 6 months old; health care providers and emergency medical personnel; people between the ages of 6 months and 24 years; and people between the ages of 25 and 64 with underlying medical conditions. You should also get vaccinated against seasonal flu.

4. If I feel sick, should I see my doctor or go to the emergency room?
For most people, the answer is no. Stay home from work or school, and don’t return until your fever is gone for at least 24 hours without fever medication (acetaminophen or ibuprofen). Exceptions to this rule are for patients who are unable to keep fluids down, have a bluish color to lips or skin, are less alert, have an underlying disease like heart disease or asthma, or are an infant younger than 2 months old with a high fever.

5. How will I know if I have the swine flu?
Common symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. By the way, don’t be surprised if your doctor does not test you for swine flu. Most doctors will make the diagnosis based on your symptoms, and may prescribe Tamiflu (an antiviral medication effective if prescribed within 48 hours of symptom onset).

Take the lead in your family and plan ahead to fight H1N1. For the latest information on the virus, visit www.cdc.gov or www.flu.gov.

Michelle A. Gourdine, M.D.
CEO and Principal Consultant
Michelle Gourdine and Associates, LLC


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