One of the newest additions to our staff, Dr. Milton, Chair of the Institute for Applied Environmental Health gave a Passport Presentation yesterday about a very relevant topic these days: the spread of influenza.
After commending us all for braving the pandemic for his lecture, Dr. Milton answered many questions looming around campus right now about the flu and H1N1. Here are some of the answers that The Healthy Turtle thought should be passed along:
Has everyone gotten the flu at some point in their lives?
Dr. Milton said those who believe they've never had the flu are probably wrong. "Very few people escape getting the flu... But 30 percent of people who get the flu get no symptoms," though the virus can still be transmitted in a symptomless state.
How do I know I have the flu?
Symptoms include fever, cough and/or sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache and/or body aches, chills and fatigue.
How are H1N1 symptoms different from this?
The symptoms are similar, but they can be more severe with the addition of vomiting and diarrhea.
So H1N1 - It came from pigs?
H1N1 is a re-assortment of the virus that partly circulates among humans, partly circulates among pigs, partly circulates among birds.
So we've never seen H1N1 before now?
Actually, in the 1950s there was a similar strain of H1. That's why people who were alive in the 50s seem to be less affected by H1N1 than the younger populations. They've built up antibodies to H1.
What made H1N1 reappear?
No one really knows for sure. After fading out sometime in the 1950s, H2 and H3 strings both came and went. (The gradual mutation between strains is called "drift.") Then, somehow, the H1 strain came back. There's speculation it was re-introduced by a lab experiment.
Is this really a pandemic?
Dr. Milton says that for those born after the 1950s, it is. What makes it a pandemic is this: when everyone is susceptible to a virus, and the antibodies for the prevalent strain at the time don't exist.
Where can I learn more?
A weekly influenza report can be found here.
How can I catch the flu?
There are three ways to catch it:
1. Direct contact, by touching hands, kissing or through fomites, which are objects that can carry the virus
2. Large droplet spray, particularly from a close proximity
3. Airborne transmission by inhaling fine particles that are deposited in the respiratory tract
How can I protect myself against the flu?
Dr. Milton points to recommendations by the CDC:
If you're sick, don't go to class.
If you live in a dorm but your home isn't far away, go home.
Rely on electronic communication.
Wear surgical mask. (Studies by Dr. Milton have shown that masks can be quite effective.)
Dr. Milton also recommends keeping your window open for air circulation.
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