Influenza kills somewhere around 36,000 Americans every year (and perhaps twice that number, depending on the estimate). The novel A H1N1 (“swine”) flu circulating this year has found a world population with little natural immunity (at least those of us under 65—older folks may have some immunity from previous pandemics). The attack rate is ridiculously high, but the virulence is thankfully not much worse than other seasonal influenza. Unfortunately, the virulence doesn’t have to be higher to increase the total number of hospitalizations and deaths.
Now, here’s what won’t help: dietary supplements, special foods, vitamins, homeopathic potions, massage, aromatherapy, prayer, magic spells, or chiropractic manipulation. The virus doesn’t care about any of these. They haven’t been shown to help, and there is no plausible mechanism whereby they could help. Don’t waste your time or money.
So what can we do to prevent ourselves from becoming victims? Vaccination is, of course, the best defense. It’s being recommended especially for those at highest risk, including health care workers, pregnant women, people under 65 with chronic health problems including asthma, diabetes, and obesity, and young people (6 months to 24 years old).
Each year, flu vaccines are developed by tracking which strains are circulating and manufacturing a specific vaccine using chicken eggs. This vaccine isn’t terribly different so there’s no reason to expect any unusual reactions.
Many people won’t get vaccinated, or will be exposed to the flu before they can get the shot. People who are allergic to eggs, for example, can’t generally get flu shots. But there’s a lot we can do as individuals and as a society to mitigate the pandemic.
First, we have to get over hand-shaking. Smile, bow, nod, whatever, but right now is a good time to stop shaking hands. Frequent use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water isn’t available is a good idea, especially if you have to use your hands on frequently-touched objects such as doorknobs or handrails on the subway. Cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow instead of your hand. And if you get typical flu symptoms—fever, muscle aches, cough—DON’T GO TO WORK. And bosses out there, you need to make clear to your employees that they will not be penalized for staying home for at least three days after the fever breaks. The loss of productivity will be balanced by your ability to keep your other employees well.