As a physician, it can be maddening to follow a health issue in the mass media, and the coverage of the 2009–10 pandemic flu has been no exception. Last spring was filled with “swine flu” (aka the H1N1 influenza virus) stories inciting panic, but when disaster failed to strike, everyone lost interest and the flu stories disappeared.
Now, with the fall/winter flu season approaching, it seems that the right message is finally being delivered: H1N1 is a legitimate threat, and it is imperative that physicians and the public be educated and prepared for its arrival.
An important fact to remain mindful of is that the global pandemic alert triggered by the H1N1 flu virus reflects its widespread activity, and not the severity of the disease it causes. This fact informs doctors’ approach to treating patients with H1N1 flu. While it is estimated that up to one third of the world’s population will contract H1N1 flu, current recommendations advise treatment only for severely ill patients or those at risk for severe illness: people under five or over sixty-five years old, people under nineteen who take aspirin, pregnant women, or patients with other illnesses that increase their risk (diabetes; heart, lung, or liver disease; cancer; obesity). As was the case in the spring and summer, many people who are not candidates for anti-viral medication may not even need to be tested. This strategy will avoid unnecessary exposure of patients to medications and prevent the development of a virus, that is resistant to anti-viral medications.
At this point, patients need to know how their personal physician plans to approach this flu season. It’s important to understand whether you fall into an at-risk group, whether you should receive the H1N1 vaccination, and what your doctor wants you to do if you develop a respiratory or flu-like illness. With the anticipated arrival of H1N1 vaccine approaching fast, now is the time to call up and get an appointment.
PROACTIVE AND PREPARED
Regardless of whether or not you and yours are in an at-risk category (and especially if you are), when you hear the term H1N1, your first reaction may be fear. This is a natural response to something unknown. But take a deep breath and know that there are proactive measures you can implement today to help prevent H1N1 from affecting you and your family. A discussion of how to prevent H1N1 starts with optimizing your immune system’s ability to neutralize the influenza virus before it has a chance to take hold in your body. Think of this as akin to working out prior to eating your Thanksgiving dinner to help prevent the extra calories from increasing your waistline. Likewise, you can keep your immune system in shape by exercising basic diet and lifestyle strategies. So where do you start?
Diet: The primary nutrients needed for immune function are protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc. Therefore, be sure you and your family eat at least three meals per day that include a hand-sized serving of protein and a side vegetable. Orange-colored veggies will increase vitamin A, although it’s recommended to vary your vegetable intake by eating a “rainbow” of colors to get a broader spectrum of nutrients. A serving or two of citrus fruit or melon per day will provide vitamin C, and a handful of pumpkin seeds or pecans as a snack between meals will provide zinc and additional protein.
Lifestyle: There are several lifestyle factors that influence immune function. Don’t worry. You don’t have to give up your glass of wine with dinner, but do keep in mind that immune function will be enhanced by engaging in regular aerobic exercise and getting at least eight hours of sleep per night. Additionally, don’t forget that immune function will be suppressed by stress, so carve out some downtime for you and your family to enjoy together, away from the stressors of your day-to-day lives (and the upcoming holiday busyness).
Supplementation: While there are a number of supplements that can help promote immune function, arguably the most important one for preventing influenza is vitamin D. Talk with your doctor about measuring your vitamin D levels to insure they are in an optimal range for healthy immune function.
HEALTHY HABITS
Although H1N1 can be scary, understand that you can help prevent it from affecting you by following the above recommendations. Most important of all, remember that your health is in your hands.
Practicing fundamental healthy habits will go a long way in staving off the flu this season. Specifically, introducing the following habits into your everyday routine will go a long way in helping keep you, and those around you, flu free:
• Shake hands less.
• Wash hands more.
• Carry hand sanitizer with you.
• Cover your mouth when you cough.
• Take fevers seriously.
Dr. Jordan Shlain is the founder and medical director of Current Health Medical Group (currenthealth.md). Dr. Shlain is an assistant clinical professor at the UCSF Medical Center and a medical economics lecturer at UC Berkeley.
