HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published interim guidance for clinicians regarding management of patients with HIV who have been exposed or who have contracted H1N1 influenza (Swine flu).  The CDC encourages clinicians to familiarize themselves with the interim guidance, which can be found at:

www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_HIV.htm 


Any influenza carries potential risks for persons with HIV infection.  It is know that adults and adolescents with HIV infection, especially persons with low CD4 cell counts, are at higher risk for viral and bacterial lower respiratory tract infections and for recurrent pneumonias.  Because adults and adolescents with HIV experience more severe complications of seasonal influenza, it is reasonable to assume that they are also at higher risk for H1N1 influenza complications.

PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS

Several good artciles have already been posted on the internet with information about H1N1 influenza (Swine Flu) and HIV, including:

"What Does Swine Flu Mean for People with HIV/AIDS" writer Myles Helfand inteviews Dr. Joel Gallant about HIV and swine flu for The Body website at:
www.thebody.com/content/art51548.html


"H1N1 (Swine Flu) and You" by Tim Horn can be found on the POZ website at:
www.poz.com/articles/hiv_swine_flu_401_16519.shtml

Remember to wash your hands.  General precautions for avoiding seasonal influenza, such as washing your hands, are the best way to avoid infection.  If you think you have been exposed to H1N1 influenza or feel that you have flu-like symptoms, seek medical attention.  And it would be wise to avoid group settings, especially HIV support groups or other gatherings with other HIV-infected individuals, until your doctor has diagnosed (or ruled out) the cause of the symptoms.

For general informaiton on H1N1 influenza, including information about the symptoms of H1N1 (Swine Flu), see the CDC article at:
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm.

General Questions about H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. 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.
• If you do not have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your elbow and not your hand. This can help prevent germs from spreading.
• 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. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact your health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food.

Information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Southeast Health District.