Fear gripped the world last year as news of a new influenza strain, H1N1, was broadcast from televisions and plastered on front page headlines. Officials feared the worst. However, the death toll from H1N1 has been much lower than expected, and supplies of a vaccine are more readily available. Now that the massive hysteria has died down, the facts about this type of influenza are becoming much clearer.
Myths Concerning Transmission of H1N1
Many people all over the world have washed their hands in an attempt to prevent the dreaded H1N1 influenza. Sadly, this practice does little to prevent the spread of this illness because influenza, including H1N1, is typically spread through the air. An infected person coughs or sneezes and releases droplets into the air. People within a two meter, or six feet, distance breathe in the droplets and also become infected.
Arthur Reingold, codirector of the CDC-funded California Emerging Infections Program stated, "There is virtually no evidence that people can catch the influenza virus from germs that they pick up on their hands. Instead, humans are most likely to catch influenza by breathing in microscopic particles exhaled by infected people." (Feder, 2009)
Types of Illnesses Prevented by Handwashing
Although washing hands has not proven to be effective against influenza, including H1N1, it is vitally important to overall health since it helps prevent the spread of colds, respiratory illnesses, deadly staph infections, and the viruses that cause diaherra and vomiting. In one study in Detroit, handwashing by children was shown to decrease stomach illnesses by 50 percent (St. Mary Medical Center, 2009).
Preventing the Spread of Flu, including H1N1
It is important that people dilligently wash their hands to promote their overall health. However, influenza outbreaks are best prevented by following the advice of government officials and staying home from school or work while sick with H1N1 or any other type of flu for 24 hours after being free from fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications (CDC, 2009). This prevents healthy people from being exposed to the H1N1 virus. It also reduces the chances of a large outbreak.
Recommendations for People Experiencing Flu SymptomsIt is important that people follow the advice of their doctor of health-care professional when experiencing flu-like symptoms. Some people will be able to recover at home, but others may need a visit to the doctor or emergency room, depending on the severity of their symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control has a video people can watch for advice on when to seek emergency medical treatment. In addition, they list the answers to commonly asked questions regarding H1N1.
Commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of H1N1 and other flus include Tamiflu and Relenza. Doctors often prescribe these drugs based on symptoms alone because the accuracy of rapid result tests are low, ranging from 10-70 percent. Therefore, a health-care professional may decide to treat a patient for the flu even if the test comes back negative.
Fortunately, the death toll from H1N1 has been much lower than expected. A vaccine was able to be produced in a relatively short amount of time, and it is becoming more available every day. H1N1 is spread through the air by people coughing or sneezing. People breathe in the droplets from the air. Therefore, handwashing does not prevent the spread of influenza. However, handwashing is a indispensable tool for preventing a vast array of other illness such as the common cold, staff infections, and stomach viruses.
Sources:
- J. Lester Feder. "Handwashing Won't Stop H1N1". Newsweek.com. September 15, 2009. Web. March 3, 2010.
- "Handwashing Facts and Tips", St. Mary's Medical Center. n.d. Web. March 3, 2010.
- "CDC Recommendations for the Amount of Time Persons with Influenza-Like Illness Should Be Away from Others." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. October 23, 2009. Web. March 3, 2010.
Melissa Main - Melissa Main graduated summa cum laude from the University of North Florida with a B.A. in Education with a special emphasis on teaching ...
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