Swine Flu is caused by one of the hundreds of influenza viruses that exist in nature. At this time there is no cure for any form of influenza. It can be treated in a number of ways that may shorten the length of the illness or reduce its severity.

The primary medical treatment is the use of anti-viral medications. The drugs oseltamivir or zanamivir are normally prescribed in the United States. These drugs are better known under the trade names Tamiflu and Relenza.

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Swine flu, pandemic H1N1, is spreading once again in the United States and the Northern Hemisphere. It continues to be infecting young people under the age of 24 in the highest numbers, closing schools and forcing cancellation of various events.

The Centers for Disease Control report 128 influenza associated pediatric deaths at this point in the 2008-2009 flu season. That number is 50% higher than last year and the highest in the last four years. Hospitalization rates for patients in the under age 2 and the age 5-17 categories also exceed the multi year average.

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A comparison of the current swine flu outbreak to the annual seasonal flu shows many similarities and a few important differences. The many strains of the influenza virus produce the same symptoms and the same effects, as a general rule, but certain strains such as Swine Flu do behave slightly differently.

Seasonal influenza and the Swine Flu share a great many symptoms. They produce fever, lung congestion and cough, a stuffy or runny nose, body aches and extreme fatigue. Influenza is a “whole body” illness, unlike the common cold which affects the upper respiratory system alone.

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Flu is a killer. In past epidemics in the United States, as many as 5% of those with the disease have died. Public Health officials estimate that about 36,000 people die each year in the U.S. from the flu and related illnesses.

In temperate climates like the United States, influenza is seasonal. Beginning in November and running until March of the following year, influenza cases multiply. In more tropical climes, influenza is seen year round.

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Petty Officer 3rd Class Yazmin Garcia, a native of Chicago, administers the annual intranasal flu vaccine to Information Systems Technician 1st Class Dyonisha Anderson, a native of St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 16. The Expeditionary Medical Facility has established a designated influenza team to educate camp personnel about the effects of the influenza virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest the best way to prevent seasonal flu is to receive a vaccination each fall and practice good health habits. Photo by Master Sgt. Carlotta Holley

A team from the Expeditionary Medical Facility here vaccinated servicemembers assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa and Camp Lemonier from the influenza virus Oct. 15 and 16.

Influenza is a viral disease that can be spread by coughing, sneezing or nasal secretions and one which hospitalizes more than 200,000 people and kills more than 30,000 people every year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Getting a shot is a whole lot easier than trying to get rid of the flu,” said Airman 1st Class Robert Barker, from Sanford, N.C. assigned to the 81st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron.

The EMF established a team to provide prevention, response planning and education to camp personnel about the effects of the influenza virus.

“The influenza virus has the potential to have devastating effects on our military operations,” said Lt. j.g. Michael Rucker, assistant public health emergency officer. “Therefore it is vital for us to educate everyone on our installation of the importance of getting vaccinated and preventing the spread of germs.”

According to the CDC, the flu virus can cause high fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, fatigue and muscle aches. It can also lead to pneumonia and it can make existing medical conditions worse. The flu virus is constantly mutating; therefore, the vaccines are constantly updated. For this reason, an annual vaccination is recommended.

There are now two methods of administering the vaccination. One is the live intranasal influenza vaccine (LAIV). It is a weakened virus that is sprayed into the nostrils. The other is the inactivated influenza vaccine given by injection.

“The intranasal is less painful than the shot,” said Information Systems Technician 1st Class Dyonisha Anderson, a native of St. Louis, Mo. “It felt funny, but was glad it was not a needle in my arm.”

“I prefer the intranasal because it smells like flowers,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. James Quillen, country logistics officer, a native of Birmingham, Ala.

According to the CDC, the LAIV is not for everyone. The medical personnel have a checklist to complete before the vaccination to determine which method is best.

“I prefer the shot; it’s quicker and less invasive,” said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Ebony Franklin, from Durham, N.C. “However, I get sick after getting either vaccine.”

The vaccine can sometimes cause mild reactions or side effects such as runny nose, cough, sore throat and other flu-like symptoms. However, severe reactions are rare. The CDC recommends contacting a physician immediately if any unusual conditions occur.

“I’ve vaccinated more than 1,000 people on Camp Lemonier and no one has complained of severe side effects,” said Rucker. “There have been a few sore throats within the first 24 hours, but that’s it.”

The CDC recommends good health habits to help protect you against the flu, including avoiding close contact with people who are sick, isolate yourself when sick, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and keeping your hands clean.

“Hand-washing is the number one way to prevent the spread of germs,” Rucker said. “In the absence of soap and water, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are just as effective.”

“I always wash my hands before eating,” said Quillen. “I don’t remember ever having the flu. I’ve certainly never had it since I joined the Army.”

It is also a good habit to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing your stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food, according to the CDC.

The 2009 seasonal influenza vaccine does not protect from the H1N1 virus. Currently, the EMF expects a shipment of the H1N1 vaccine to arrive sometime in November or December to vaccinate servicemembers, said Rucker.

“It is predicted that most of the influenza cases this season will be caused by the novel H1N1 strain of influenza,” Rucker said. “However, statistics thus far have shown that the disease caused by H1N1 is relatively mild to moderate and is just as preventable and treatable as seasonal influenza.”

Early vaccination and practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of germs are the best ways to protect against any type of influenza virus.

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