A friend of mine to the A flu: how to react?
Some reminders about influenza A
The influenza H1N1 is a disease very contagious, but with a low mortality rate (mainly for people who are already weak). In the majority of cases, the patients present only mild symptoms and their healing is rapid and complete.
The virus is usually spread by the cough and sneezing, or touching a contaminated surface. The symptoms of influenza H1N1, which can last up to a week, are similar to those in the influenza seasonal. They can include fever, sneezing, sore throat, coughheadache, as well as muscle and joint pain.
On June 11, 2009, WHO declares the transition to phase 6: influenza A is therefore considered a pandemic.
How to protect yourself in case of contact with someone with influenza A?
First, any contact with a patient suffering from this new influenza involves prophylactic treatment with Tamiflu (one tablet daily for 7 to 10 days).
Then, it is to take "barrier measures": the patient must permanently wear a surgical mask to avoid contaminating those around him, he must avoid kissing and shaking hands with anyone. When contacting, wash hands with soap immediately, but it is best to avoid them as much as possible.
A person suffering from influenza A must stay isolated at home. Your husband, child, roommate caught the virus ? If you have any doubt about the precautions to follow, do not hesitate to call 15 who will explain the procedure to follow.
What are the hygiene measures to be followed when living with a person with influenza A?
First, you have to have an impeccable hand hygiene. You can wash them with water and soap, but also with a hydroalcoholic solution, which you will find in pharmacies. These ethanol-based solutions are more effective (than soap) against microbes.
Then you have to wear a surgical mask and do not forget to change it every 4 hours or so.
Third precaution: the sufferer must cough in tissues (paper) and take the trouble to throw them immediately after. Another reflex to have: regularly remove the bins filled with handkerchiefs or masks used, taking care to close the bags well.
The patient is very contagious when he coughs: keep a distance of five feet between you, during a straight. (But in general, it is advisable to avoid physical contact as much as possible.)
Air often your apartment but do not panic: no need to spend all your coins bleach, three times a day! Do not panic in the kitchen either: you can eat with the same dishes as the person suffering from influenza AT.
What to do when my child is affected by H1N1 flu?
The ideal is to keep them at home for several days and to wear masks, as explained in the previous paragraph. It is therefore necessary to apply the same precautions as with an adult.
Regarding babies, the recurring question is: "Can we treat them with Tamiflu?" The European Medicines Agency issued a favorable opinion on the use of Tamiflu on children under the age of one on May 8, 2009, in the event of triggering level 6 alert.
In any case, in France, a baby suffering from influenza A will be hospitalized and the decision to administer Tamiflu or not will be made by a pediatric team.
Last recommendation: do not give in to panic and do not communicate your anxieties to the little patient. Your stress could affect your child's healing.
H1N1 flu: dangerous for pregnant women?
Expectant mothers are among the categories at risk and suffer five times more complications. Why ? Among other things, because during pregnancy, the immune system is less responsive, a little "awake".
This immune weakness makes pregnant women more susceptible to infections in general, and to influenza in particular. The fetus is not contaminated in utero, but if the mother is infected at the time of delivery, then it can present influenza severe at birth.
Thus, currently pregnant women are advised to avoid gatherings, public places and of course, anyone around them virus. In the event of a pandemic, expectant mothers should not hesitate to stay at home.
Last but not least, pregnant women will obviously have priority after the vaccination against influenza H1N1.
